Drosophila G protein coupled receptors, nucleic acids, and methods related to the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a  Drosophila melanogaster  GPCR (DmGPCR) polypeptides and polynucleotides which identify and encode such a DmGPCR. In addition, the invention provides expression vectors, host cells and methods for its production. The invention also provides methods for the identification of homologs in other animals, and of DmGPCR agonists/antagonists, useful for the treatment of diseases in animals and for the control of insects that are injurious or harmful to plants or animals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 09/693,746 filed Oct. 20, 2000, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,835,546 which is continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/425,676 filed Oct. 22, 1999 now abandoned, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed, in part, to nucleic acid molecules encoding novel Drosophila melanogaster G protein coupled receptors (DmGPCRs), novel polypeptides, and assays for screening compounds that bind to GPCR and/or modulate the activity of GPCR.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humans and other life forms are comprised of living cells. Among the mechanisms through which the cells of an organism communicate with each other and obtain information and stimuli from their environment is through cell membrane receptor molecules expressed on the cell surface. Many such receptors have been identified, characterized, and sometimes classified into major receptor superfamilies based on structural motifs and signal transduction features. Such families include (but are not limited to) ligand-gated ion channel receptors, voltage-dependent ion channel receptors, receptor tyrosine kinases, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases, and G protein-coupled receptors. The receptors are a first essential link for translating an extracellular signal into a cellular physiological response.

G protein-coupled receptors (ie., GPCRs) form a vast superfamily of cell surface receptors which are characterized by an amino-terminal extracellular domain, a carboxy-terminal intracellular domain, and a serpentine structure that passes through the cell membrane seven times. Hence, such receptors are sometimes also referred to as seven transmembrane (7TM) receptors. These seven transmembrane domains define three extracellular loops and three intracellular loops, in addition to the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains. The extracellular portions of the receptor have a role in recognizing and binding one or more extracellular binding partners (e.g., ligands), whereas the intracellular portions have a role in recognizing and communicating with downstream effector molecules.

The GPCRs bind a variety of ligands including calcium ions, hormones, chemokines, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, nucleotides, lipids, odorants, and even photons. Not surprisingly, GPCRs are important in the normal (and sometimes the aberrant) function of many cell types. See generally Strosberg, Eur. J. Biochem., 1991, 196, 1-10 and Bohm et al., Biochem J., 1997, 322, 1-18. When a specific ligand binds to its corresponding receptor, the ligand typically stimulates the receptor to activate a specific heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G protein) that is coupled to the intracellular portion or region of the receptor. The G protein, in turn, transmits a signal to an effector molecule within the cell by either stimulating or inhibiting the activity of that effector molecule. These effector molecules include adenylate cyclase, phospholipases and ion channels. Adenylate cyclase and phospholipases are enzymes that are involved in the production of the second messenger molecules cAMP, inositol triphosphate and diacyglycerol. It is through this sequence of events that an extracellular ligand stimulus exerts intracellular changes through a G protein-coupled receptor. Each such receptor has its own characteristic primary structure, expression pattern, ligand binding profile, and intracellular effector system.

Because of the vital role of G protein-coupled receptors in the communication between cells and their environment, such receptors are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention, for example by activating or antagonizing such receptors. For receptors having a known ligand, the identification of agonists or antagonists may be sought specifically to enhance or inhibit the action of the ligand. Some G protein-coupled receptors have roles in disease pathogenesis (e.g., certain chemokine receptors that act as HIV co-receptors may have a role in AIDS pathogenesis), and are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention even in the absence of knowledge of the natural ligand of the receptor. Other receptors are attractive targets for therapeutic intervention by virtue of their expression pattern in tissues or cell types that are themselves attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Examples of this latter category of receptors include receptors expressed in immune cells, which can be targeted to either inhibit autoimmune responses or to enhance immune responses to fight pathogens or cancer; and receptors expressed in the brain or other neural organs and tissues, which are likely targets in the treatment of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disease, or other neurological disorders. This latter category of receptor is also useful as a marker for identifying and/or purifying (e.g., via fluorescence-activated cell sorting) cellular subtypes that express the receptor. Unfortunately, only a limited number of G protein receptors from the central nervous system (CNS) are known. Thus, a need exists for G protein-coupled receptors that have been identified and show promise as targets for therapeutic intervention in a variety of animals, including humans.

Insects are recognized as major pests in agriculture and in human domestic environments. Insects also parasitize animals and humans, being denoted as ectoparasites in such cases, causing morbidity and mortality. Insects also serve as vectors for the transmission of viral and parasitic diseases to plants, animals and humans. Thus, there is a continuing and compelling need to discover new methods for controlling insect populations and for repelling and/or killing pathogenic or pestiferous species. One way to control insect populations by killing or paralyzing insects is through the use of chemical agents, denoted as insecticides, that are selectively toxic to insects and potentially other invertebrates. Currently, insecticides have enormous value for the control of insects that are damaging to agricultural products, including crops and livestock. Insecticides are also used in human domestic situations, for the control of lawn and garden pests as well as insects that are damaging or annoying to humans, including stinging or biting insects, flies and cockroaches. Insecticides also have enormous value for the treatment or prevention of disease states caused by ectoparasites in livestock animals and pets, including fleas, lice, ticks, mites and biting flies. However, current chemicals used as insecticide are not optimal. Some have demonstrable toxicity for mammals, while resistance to some of them has arisen in certain target species. Therefore, there exists a need for new selective insecticides that have novel mechanisms of action.

Examples of insect GPCRs that have neuropeptide ligands are known (Li, et al., EMBO Journal, 1991, 10, 3221-3229; Li, et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1992, 267, 9-12; Monnier, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1992, 267, 1298-1302; Vanden Broeck, et al., Int. Rev. Cytology, 1996, 164, 189-268; Guerrero, Peptides, 1997, 18, 1-5; Hauser, et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1997, 272, 1002-1010; Birgul et al., EMBO J. 1999, 18, 5892-5900; Torfs et al., J. Neurochem. 2000, 74, 2182-2189; and Hauser et al. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 1998, 249, 822-828), though none has yet been publicly reported as having been exploited for insecticide discovery.

A large family of peptides generally 4-12 amino acids in length typically found in invertebrate animals (e.g. insects) is a class of neuropeptides known as FMRFamide related peptides (i.e., FaRPs). The prototypical FMRFamide peptides are so named because of the “FMRF” consensus amino acid sequence at their C-termini, consisting generally of (F,Y)(M,V,I,L)R(F,Y)NH2. As neuropeptides, these molecules are involved in vital biological processes requiring controlled neuromuscular activity. Although some neurotransmitters and neuromodulators (including neuropeptides) have been shown to function as ligands for receptors, to date there has been no identification of a FaRP neuropeptide as a ligand of a GPCR.

The allatostatins are an important group of insect neurohormones controlling diverse functions including the synthesis of juvenile hormones known to play a central role in metamorphosis and reproduction in various insect species. The very first Drosophila allatostatin, Ser-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 (i.e., drostatin-3), was isolated from Drosophila head extracts (Birgulet al., The EMBO J., 1999, 18, 5892-5900). Recently, a Drosophila allatostatin preprophormone gene has been cloned which encodes four Drosophila allatostatins: Val-Glu-Arg-Tyr-Ala-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 (drostatin-1), Leu-Pro-Val-Tyr-Asn-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 (drostatin-2), Ser-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ser-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 (drostatin-3) and Thr-Thr-Arg-Pro-Gln-Pro-Phe-Asn-Phe-Gly-Leu-NH2 (drostatin-4) (Lenz et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 2000, 273, 1126-1131). The first Drosophila allatostatin receptor was cloned by Birgul et al. and shown to be functionally activated by drostatin-3 via Gi/Go pathways (Birgul et al., EMBO J. 1999, 18, 5892-5900). A second putative Drosophila allatostatin receptor (i.e., DARII). has been recently cloned (Lenz et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 2000, 273, 571-577). The DARII receptor cDNA (accession No. AF253526) codes for a protein that is strongly related to the first Drosophila allatostatin receptor. However, to date no functional activation of DARII by allatostatins has been reported.

The sulfakinins are a family of insect Tyr-sulfated neuropeptides. They show sequence and functional (myotropic effects, stimulation of digestive enzyme release) similarity to the vertebrate peptides gastrin and cholecystokinin. A gene encoding two sulfakinins (also called drosulfakinins), DSKI [Phe-Asp-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Gly-His-Met-Arg-Phe-amide] <SEQ ID NO: 160> and DSKII [Gly-Gly-Asp-Asp-Gln-Phe-Asp-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Gly-His-Met-Arg-Phe-amide] <SEQ ID NO: 161>, has been identified in Drosophila melanogaster (Nichols, (Mol. Cell Neuroscience, 1992, 3, 342-347; Nichols et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1988, 263, 12167-12170). The C-terminal heptapeptide sequence, Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Gly-His-Met-Arg-Phe-amide <SEQ ID NO: 162>, is identical in all sulfakinin identified so far from insects that are widely separated in evolutionary terms. The conservation of the heptapeptide sequence, including the presence of the sulfated Tyr residue, in widely divergent insect taxa presumably reflects functional significance of this myotropic “active core” (Nachman & Holman, in Insect Neuropeptides; chemistry, biology and action, Menn, Kelly & Massler, Eds., 1991, pp. 194-214, American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C.). To our knowledge, to date no receptors for insect sulfakinins have been identified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves the surprising discovery of novel polypeptides in Drosophila melanogaster, designated herein DmGPCRs (Drosophila melanogaster G Protein-Coupled Receptors), which exhibit varying degrees of homology to other neuropeptide GPCRs. The present invention provides genes encoding these heretofore unknown G protein-coupled receptors, the DmGPCR polypeptides encoded by the genes; antibodies to the polypeptides; kits employing the polynucleotides and polypeptides, and methods of making and using all of the foregoing. The DmGPCRs may play a role as a key component, for example, in regulating neuropeptide binding and/or signaling. DmGPCRs are thus useful in the search for novel agents that can modify and/or control binding and/or signaling by neuropeptides or other agents. The DmGPCRs of the present invention are also useftil in the search for human homologs which bind neuropeptides, and which may lead to eventual treatment regimens. Exemplary diseases, and conditions, amenable to such treatment include, but are not limited to, infections, such as viral infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2, pain; cancers, Parkinson's disease, hypotension, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, stroke, renal failure, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Tourette's Syndrome, among others. These and other aspects of the invention are described below.

In one embodiment, the invention provides purified and isolated DmGPCR polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24, or a fragment thereof comprising an epitope specific to the DmGPCR. By “epitope specific to” is meant a portion of the DmGPCR receptor that is recognizable by an antibody that is specific for the DmGPCR, as defined in detail below. Preferred embodiments comprise purified and isolated polypeptides comprising the complete amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24, found in Table 4 below. These amino acid sequences were deduced from polynucleotide sequences encoding DmGPCR (SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23, found in Table 4 below). The term “DmGPCR” as used herein in singular form is intended to encompass each of the ten amino acid sequences exemplified below, encoded by the respective polynucleotide sequences.

Although the sequences provided are particular drosophila sequences, the invention is intended to include within its scope other allelic variants and other vertebrate forms of DmGPCR.

It will be appreciated that extracellular epitopes are particularly useful for generating and screening for antibodies and other binding compounds that bind to receptors such as DmGPCR. Thus, in another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a purified and isolated polypeptide comprising at least one extracellular domain (e.g., the N-terminal extracellular domain or one of the three extracellular loops) of DmGPCR. A purified and isolated polypeptide comprising the N-terminal extracellular domain of DmGPCR is highly preferred. Also preferred is a purified and isolated polypeptide comprising a DmGPCR fragment selected from the group consisting of the N-terminal extracellular domain of DmGPCR, transmembrane domains of DmGPCR, an extracellular loop connecting transmembrane domains of DmGPCR, an intracellular loop connecting transmembrane domains of DmGPCR, the C-terminal cytoplasmic region of DmGPCR, and fusions thereof. Such fragments may be continuous portions of the native receptor. However, it will also be appreciated that knowledge of the DmGPCR gene and protein sequences as provided herein permits recombining of various domains that are not contiguous in the native protein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides purified and isolated polynucleotides (e.g., cDNA, genomic DNA, synthetic DNA, RNA, or combinations thereof, whether single- or double-stranded) that comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of the polypeptides of the invention. Such polynucleotides are useful for recombinantly expressing the receptor and also for detecting expression of the receptor in cells (e.g., using Northern hybridization and in situ hybridization assays. Such polynucleotides also are useful in the design of antisense and other molecules for the suppression of the expression of DmGPCR in a cultured cell, a tissue, or an animal; for therapeutic purposes; or to provide a model for diseases or conditions characterized by aberrant DmGPCR expression. Specifically excluded from the definition of polynucleotides of the invention are entire isolated, non-recombinant native chromosomes of host cells. A preferred polynucleotide has the sequence of any sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23, which correspond to naturally occurring DmGPCR sequences. It will be appreciated that numerous other polynucleotide sequences exist that also encode the DmGPCR having the sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24 due to the well-known degeneracy of the universal genetic code.

The invention also provides a purified and isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a mammalian polypeptide, wherein the polynucleotide hybridizes to a polynucleotide having the sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23 or the non-coding strand complementary thereto, under the following hybridization conditions:

(a) hybridization for 16 hours at 42° C. in a hybridization solution comprising 50% formamide, 1% SDS, 1 M NaCl, 10% dextran sulfate; and

(b) washing 2 times for 30 minutes each at 60° C. in a wash solution comprising 0.1% SSC, 1% SDS.

In a related embodiment, the invention provides vectors comprising a polynucleotide of the invention. Such vectors are useful, e.g., for amplifying the polynucleotides in host cells to create useful quantities thereof. In preferred embodiments, the vector is an expression vector wherein the polynucleotide of the invention is operatively linked to a polynucleotide comprising an expression control sequence. Such vectors are useful for recombinant production of polypeptides of the invention.

In another related embodiment, the invention provides host cells that are transformed or transfected (stably or transiently) with polynucleotides of the invention or vectors of the invention. As stated above, such host cells are useful for amplifying the polynucleotides and also for expressing the DmGPCR polypeptide or fragment thereof encoded by the polynucleotide.

In still another related embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing a DmGPCR polypeptide (or fragment thereof) comprising the steps of growing a host cell of the invention in a nutrient medium and isolating the polypeptide or variant thereof from the cell or the medium. Because DmGPCR is a seven transmembrane receptor, it will be appreciated that, for some applications, such as certain activity assays, the preferable isolation may involve isolation of cell membranes containing the polypeptide embedded therein, whereas for other applications a more complete isolation may be preferable.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides an antibody that is specific for the DmGPCR of the invention. Antibody specificity is described in greater detail below. However, it should be emphasized that antibodies that can be generated from polypeptides that have previously been described in the literature and that are capable of fortuitously cross-reacting with DmGPCR (e.g., due to the fortuitous existence of a similar epitope in both polypeptides) are considered “cross-reactive” antibodies. Such cross-reactive antibodies are not antibodies that are “specific” for DmGPCR. The determination of whether an antibody is specific for DmGPCR or is cross-reactive with another known receptor is made using any of several assays, such as Western blotting assays, that are well known in the art. For identifying cells that express DmGPCR and also for modulating DmGPCR-ligand binding activity, antibodies that specifically bind to an extracellular epitope of the DmGPCR are preferred.

In one preferred variation, the invention provides monoclonal antibodies. Hybridomas that produce such antibodies also are intended as aspects of the invention. In yet another variation, the invention provides a humanized antibody. Humanized antibodies are useful for in vivo therapeutic indications.

In another variation, the invention provides a cell-free composition comprising polyclonal antibodies, wherein at least one of the antibodies is an antibody of the invention specific for DmGPCR. Antisera isolated from an animal is an exemplary composition, as is a composition comprising an antibody fraction of an antisera that has been resuspended in water or in another diluent, excipient, or carrier.

In still another related embodiment, the invention provides an anti-idiotypic antibody specific for an antibody that is specific for DmGPCR.

It is well known that antibodies contain relatively small antigen binding domains that can be isolated chemically or by recombinant techniques. Such domains are useful DmGPCR binding molecules themselves, and also may be reintroduced into human antibodies, or fused to toxins or other polypeptides. Thus, in still another embodiment, the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a fragment of a DmGPCR-specific antibody, wherein the fragment and the polypeptide bind to the DmGPCR. By way of non-limiting example, the invention provides polypeptides that are single chain antibodies and CDR-grafted antibodies.

Also within the scope of the invention are compositions comprising polypeptides, polynucleotides, or antibodies of the invention that have been formulated with, e.g., a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention also provides methods of using antibodies of the invention. For example, the invention provides a method for modulating ligand binding of a DmGPCR comprising the step of contacting the DmGPCR with an antibody specific for the DmGPCR, under conditions wherein the antibody binds the receptor.

Mammalian homologs of DmGPCRs that are expressed in the brain provide an indication that aberrant DmGPCR signaling activity may correlate with one or more neurological or psychological-disorders. The invention also provides a method for treating a neurological or psychiatric disorder comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an amount of an antibody-like polypeptide of the invention that is sufficient to modulate ligand binding to a DmGPCR in neurons of the mammal. Mammalian homologs of DmGPCR may also be expressed in other tissues, including but not limited to pancreas (and particularly pancreatic islet tissue), pituitary, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, liver, and thyroid.

The invention also provides assays to identify compounds that bind a DmGPCR. One such assay comprises the steps of: (a) contacting a composition comprising a DmGPCR with a compound suspected of binding DmGPCR; and (b) measuring binding between the compound and DmGPCR. In one variation, the composition comprises a cell expressing DmGPCR on its surface. In another variation, isolated DmGPCR or cell membranes comprising DmGPCR are employed. The binding may be measured directly, e.g., by using a labeled compound, or may be measured indirectly by several techniques, including measuring intracellular signaling of DmGPCR induced by the compound (or measuring changes in the level of DmGPCR signaling).

The invention also provides a method for identifying a modulator of binding between a DmGPCR and a DmGPCR binding partner, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a DmGPCR binding partner and a composition comprising a DmGPCR in the presence and in the absence of a putative modulator compound; (b) detecting binding between the binding partner and the DmGPCR; and (c) identifying a putative modulator compound or a modulator compound in view of decreased or increased binding between the binding partner and the DmGPCR in the presence of the putative modulator, as compared to binding in the absence of the putative modulator.

DmGPCR binding partners that stimulate DmGPCR activity are useful as agonists in disease states or conditions characterized by insufficient DmGPCR signaling (e.g., as a result of insufficient activity of a DmGPCR ligand). DmGPCR binding partners that block ligand-mediated DmGPCR signaling are useful as DmGPCR antagonists to treat disease states or conditions characterized by excessive DmGPCR signaling. In addition DmGPCR modulators in general, as well as DmGPCR polynucleotides and polypeptides, are useful in diagnostic assays for such diseases or conditions.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for treating a disease or abnormal condition by admninistering to a patient in need of such treatment a substance that modulates the activity or expression of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24.

In another aspect, the invention features methods for detection of a polypeptide in a sample as a diagnostic tool for diseases or disorders, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) contacting the sample with a nucleic acid probe which hybridizes under hybridization assay conditions to a nucleic acid target region of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24, said probe comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide, fragments thereof, and the complements of the sequences and fragments; and (b) detecting the presence or amount of the probe:target region hybrid as an indication of the disease.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the disease is selected from the group consisting of metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, artherosclerosis, autoimmune disorders, organ transplantation, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies, stroke, renal failure, oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.

Substances useful for treatment of disorders or diseases preferably show positive results in one or more in vitro assays for an activity corresponding to treatment of the disease or disorder in question. Substances that modulate the activity of the polypeptides preferably include, but are not limited to, antisense oligonucleotides, agonists and antagonists, and inhibitors of protein kinases.

Hybridization conditions should be such that hybridization occurs only with the genes in the presence of other nucleic acid molecules. Under stringent hybridization conditions only highly complementary nucleic acid sequences hybridize. Preferably, such conditions prevent hybridization of nucleic acids having 1 or 2 mismatches out of 20 contiguous nucleotides. Such conditions are defined supra.

The diseases for which detection of genes in a sample could be diagnostic include diseases in which nucleic acid (DNA and/or RNA) is amplified in comparison to normal cells. By “amplification” is meant increased numbers of DNA or RNA in a cell compared with normal cells.

The diseases that could be diagnosed by detection of nucleic acid in a sample preferably include central nervous system and metabolic diseases. The test samples suitable for nucleic acid probing methods of the present invention include, for example, cells or nucleic acid extracts of cells, or biological fluids. The samples used in the above-described methods will vary based on the assay format, the detection method and the nature of the tissues, cells or extracts to be assayed. Methods for preparing nucleic acid extracts of cells are well known in the art and can be readily adapted in order to obtain a sample that is compatible with the method utilized.

Additional features and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the entirety of this application, including the detailed description, and all such features are intended as aspects of the invention. Likewise, features of the invention described herein can be re-combined into additional embodiments that also are intended as aspects of the invention, irrespective of whether the combination of features is specifically mentioned above as an aspect or embodiment of the invention. Also, only such limitations which are described herein as critical to the invention should be viewed as such; variations of the invention lacking limitations which have not been described herein as critical are intended as aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides, inter alia, isolated and purified polynucleotides that encode D. melanogaster G protein coupled receptor (DmGPCR) or a portion thereof, vectors containing these polynucleotides, host cells transformed with these vectors, processes of making DmGPCR, methods of using the above polynucleotides and vectors, isolated and purified DmGPCR, methods of screening compounds which modulate DmGPCR activity, and methods of identifying mammalian or other invertebrate homologs of DmGPCR.

Various definitions are made throughout this document. Most words have the meaning that would be attributed to those words by one skilled in the art. Words specifically defined either below or elsewhere in this document have the meaning provided in the context of the present invention as a whole and as are typically understood by those skilled in the art. “Synthesized” as used herein and understood in the art, refers to polynucleotides produced by purely chemical, as opposed to enzymatic, methods. “Wholly” synthesized DNA sequences are therefore produced entirely by chemical means, and “partially” synthesized DNAs embrace those wherein only portions of the resulting DNA were produced by chemical means. By the term “region” is meant a physically contiguous portion of the primary structure of a biomolecule. In the case of proteins, a region is defined by a contiguous portion of the amino acid sequence of that protein. The term “domain” is herein defined as referring to a structural part of a biomolecule that contributes to a known or suspected function of the biomolecule. Domains may be co-extensive with regions or portions thereof; domains may also incorporate a portion of a biomolecule that is distinct from a particular region, in addition to all or part of that region. Examples of GPCR protein domains include, but are not limited to, the extracellular (i.e., N-terminal), trarsmembrane and cytoplasmic (i.e., C-terminal) domains, which are co-extensive with like-named regions of GPCRs; each of the seven transmembrane segments of a GPCR; and each of the loop segments (both extracellular and intracellular loops) connecting adjacent transmembrane segments.

As used herein, the term “activity” refers to a variety of measurable indicia suggesting or revealing binding, either direct or indirect; affecting a response, i.e. having a measurable affect in response to some exposure or stimulus, including, for example, the affinity of a compound for directly binding a polypeptide or polynucleotide of the invention, or, for example, measurement of amounts of upstream or downstream proteins or other similar functions after some stimulus or event.

As used herein, the term “antibody” is meant to refer to complete, intact antibodies, and Fab, Fab′, F(ab)2, and other fragments thereof. Complete, intact antibodies include monoclonal antibodies such as murine monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies and humanized antibodies.

As used herein, the term “binding” means the physical or chemical interaction between two proteins or compounds or associated proteins or compounds or combinations thereof. Binding includes ionic, non-ionic, Hydrogen bonds, Van der Waals, hydrophobic interactions, etc. The physical interaction, the binding, can be either direct or indirect, indirect being through or due to the effects of another protein or compound. Direct binding refers to interactions that do not take place through or due to the effect of another protein or compound but instead are without other substantial chemical intermediates.

As used herein, the term “compound” means any identifiable chemical or molecule, including, but not limited to, small molecule, peptide, protein, sugar, nucleotide, or nucleic acid, and such compound can be natural or synthetic.

As used herein, the term “complementary” refers to Watson-Crick basepairing between nucleotide units of a nucleic acid molecule.

As used herein, the term “contacting” means bringing together, either directly or indirectly, a compound into physical proximity to a polypeptide or polynucleotide of the invention. The polypeptide or polynucleotide can be in any number of buffers, salts, solutions etc. Contacting includes, for example, placing the compound into a beaker, microtiter plate, cell culture flask, or a microarray, such as a gene chip, or the like, which contains the nucleic acid molecule, or polypeptide encoding the GPCR or fragment thereof.

As used herein, the phrase “homologous nucleotide sequence,” or “homologous amino acid sequence,” or variations thereof, refers to sequences characterised by a homology, at the nucleotide level or amino acid level, of at least the specified percentage. Homologous nucleotide sequences include those sequences coding for isoforms of proteins. Such isoforms can be expressed in different tissues of the same organism as a result of, for example, alternative splicing of RNA. Alternatively, isoforms can be encoded by different genes. Homologous nucleotide sequences include nucleotide sequences encoding for a protein of a species other than insects, including, but not limited to, mammals. Homologous nucleotide sequences also include, but are not limited to, naturally occurring allelic variations and mutations of the nucleotide sequences set forth herein. A homologous nucleotide sequence does not, however, include the nucleotide sequence encoding other known GPCRs. Homologous amino acid sequences include those amino acid sequences which encode conservative amino acid substitutions, as well as polypeptides having neuropeptide binding and/or signalling activity. A homologous amino acid sequence does not, however, include the amino acid sequence encoding other known GPCRs. Percent homology can be determined by, for example, the Gap program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, Madison Wis.), using the default settings, which uses the algorithm of Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl. Math., 1981, 2, 482-489, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

As used herein, the term “isolated” nucleic acid molecule refers to a nucleic acid molecule (DNA or RNA) that has been removed from its native environment. Examples of isolated nucleic acid molecules include, but are not limited to, recombinant DNA molecules contained in a vector, recombinant DNA molecules maintained in a heterologous host cell, partially or substantially purified nucleic acid molecules, and synthetic DNA or RNA molecules.

As used herein, the terms “modulates” or “modifies” means an increase or decrease in the amount, quality, or effect of a particular activity or protein.

As used herein, the term “oligonucleotide” refers to a series of linked nucleotide residues which has a sufficient number of bases to be used in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This short sequence is based on (or designed from) a genomic or cDNA sequence and is used to amplify, confirm, or reveal the presence of an identical, similar or complementary DNA or RNA in a particular cell or tissue. Oligonucleotides comprise portions of a DNA sequence having at least about 10 nucleotides and as many as about 50 nucleotides, preferably about 15 to 30 nucleotides. They are chemically synthesized and may be used as probes.

As used herein, the term “probe” refers to nucleic acid sequences of variable length, preferably between at least about 10 and as many as about 6,000 nucleotides, depending on use. They are used in the detection of identical, similar, or complementary nucleic acid sequences. Longer length probes are usually obtained from a natural or recombinant source, are highly specific and much slower to hybridize than oligomers. They may be single- or double-stranded and carefully designed to have specificity in PCR, hybridization membrane-based, or ELISA-like technologies.

The term “preventing” refers to decreasing the probability that an organism contracts or develops an abnormal condition.

The term “treating” refers to having a therapeutic effect and at least partially alleviating or abrogating an abnormal condition in the organism.

The term “therapeutic effect” refers to the inhibition or activation factors causing or contributing to the abnormal condition. A therapeutic effect relieves to some extent one or more of the symptoms of the abnormal condition. In reference to the treatment of abnormal conditions, a therapeutic effect can refer to one or more of the following: (a) an increase in the proliferation, growth, and/or differentiation of cells; (b) inhibition (i.e., slowing or stopping) of cell death; (c) inhibition of degeneration; (d) relieving to some extent one or more of the symptoms associated with the abnormal condition; and (e) enhancing the function of the affected population of cells. Compounds demonstrating efficacy against abnormal conditions can be identified as described herein.

The term “abnormal condition” refers to a function in the cells or tissues of an organism that deviates from their normal functions in that organism. An abnormal condition can relate to cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell signalling, or cell survival. An abnormal condition may also include obesity, diabetic complications such as retinal degeneration, and irregularities in glucose uptake and metabolism, and fatty acid uptake and metabolism.

Abnormal cell proliferative conditions include cancers such as fibrotic and mesangial disorders, abnormal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, wound healing, psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, and inflammation.

Abnormal differentiation conditions include, but are not limited to, neurodegenerative disorders, slow wound healing rates, and slow tissue grafting healing rates.

Abnormal cell signalling conditions include, but are not limited to, psychiatric disorders involving excess neurotransmitter activity.

Abnormal cell survival conditions may also relate to conditions in which programmed cell death (apoptosis) pathways are activated or abrogated. A number of protein kinases are associated with the apoptosis pathways. Aberrations in the function of any one of the protein kinases could lead to cell immortality or premature cell death.

The term “administering” relates to a method of incorporating a compound into cells or tissues of an organism. The abnormal condition can be prevented or treated when the cells or tissues of the organism exist within the organism or outside of the organism. Cells existing outside the organism can be maintained or grown in cell culture dishes. For cells harbored within the organism, many techniques exist in the art to administer compounds, including (but not limited to) oral, parenteral, dermal, injection, and aerosol applications. For cells outside of the organism, multiple techniques exist in the art to administer the compounds, including (but not limited to) cell microinjection techniques, transformation techniques and carrier techniques.

The abnormal condition can also be prevented or treated by administering a compound to a group of cells having an aberration in a signal transduction pathway to an organism. The effect of administering a compound on organism function can then be monitored. The organism is preferably a mouse, rat, rabbit, guinea pig or goat, more preferably a monkey or ape, and most preferably a human.

By “amplification” it is meant increased numbers of DNA or RNA in a cell compared with normal cells. “Amplification” as it refers to RNA can be the detectable presence of RNA in cells, since in some normal cells there is no basal expression of RNA. In other normal cells, a basal level of expression exists, therefore in these cases amplification is the detection of at least 1-2-fold, and preferably more, compared to the basal level.

As used herein, the phrase “stringent hybridization conditions” or “stringent conditions” refers to conditions under which a probe, primer, or oligonucleotide will hybridize to its target sequence, but to no other sequences. Stringent conditions are sequence-dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridize specifically at higher temperatures. Generally, stringent conditions are selected to be about 5° C. lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength and pH. The Tm is the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH and nucleic acid concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target sequence hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium. Since the target sequences are generally present in excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium. Typically, stringent conditions will be those in which the salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, typically about 0.01 to 1.0 M sodium ion (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about 30° C. for short probes, primers or oligonucleotides (e.g. 10 to 50 nucleotides) and at least about 60° C. for longer probes, primers or oligonucleotides. Stringent conditions rmay also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents, such as formamide.

The amino acid sequences are presented in the amino to carboxy direction, from left to right. The amino and carboxy groups are not presented in the sequence. The nucleotide sequences are presented by single strand only, in the 5′ to 3′ direction, from left to right. Nucleotides and amino acids are represented in the manner recommended by the IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission, or (for amino acids) by three letters code.

Genomic DNA of the invention comprises the protein coding region for a polypeptide of the invention and is also intended to include allelic variants thereof. It is widely understood that, for many genes, genomic DNA is transcribed into RNA transcripts that undergo one or more splicing events wherein intron (ie., non-coding regions) of the transcripts are removed, or “spliced out.” RNA transcripts that can be spliced by alternative mechanisms, and therefore be subject to removal of different RNA sequences but still encode a DmGPCR polypeptide, are referred to in the art as splice variants which are embraced by the invention. Splice variants comprehended by the invention therefore are encoded by the same original genomic DNA sequences but arise from distinct mRNA transcripts. Allelic variants are modified forms of a wild-type gene sequence, the modification resulting from recombination during chromosomal segregation or exposure to conditions which give rise to genetic mutation. Allelic variants, like wild type genes, are naturally occurring sequences (as opposed to non-naturally occurring variants which arise from in vitro manipulation).

The invention also comprehends cDNA that is obtained through reverse transcription of an RNA polynucleotide encoding DmGPCR (conventionally followed by second strand synthesis of a complementary strand to provide a double-stranded DNA).

A preferred DNA sequence encoding a DmGPCR polypeptide is set out in any of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23. A preferred DNA ofthe invention comprises a double stranded molecule along with the complementary molecule (the “non-coding strand” or “complement”) having a sequence unambiguously deducible from the coding strand according to Watson-Crick base-pairing rules for DNA. Also preferred are other polynucleotides encoding any of the particular DmGPCR polypeptides of the invention which differ in sequence from the particular polynucleotides described herein by virtue of the well-known degeneracy of the universal nuclear genetic code.

The invention further embraces species, preferably mammalian, homologs of the DmGPCR DNA. Species homologs, sometimes referred to as “orthologs,” in general, share at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% homology with DNA of the invention. Generally, percent sequence “homology” with respect to polynucleotides of the invention may be calculated as the percentage of nucleotide bases in the candidate sequence that are identical to nucleotides in the DmGPCR sequence set forth in a particular polynucleotide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity.

The polynucleotide sequence information provided by the invention makes possible large-scale expression of the encoded polypeptide by techniques well known and routinely practiced in the art. Polynucleotides of the invention also permit identification and isolation of polynucleotides encoding related DmGPCR polypeptides, such as allelic variants and species homologs, by well-known techniques including Southern and/or Northern hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examples of related polynucleotides include genornic sequences, including allelic variants, as well as polynucleotides encoding polypeptides homologous to DmGPCR and structurally related polypeptides sharing one or more biological, immunological, and/or physical properties of DmGPCR. Genes encoding proteins homologous to DmGPCR can also be identified by Southern and/or PCR analysis and are useful in animal models for GPCR disorders. Knowledge of the sequence of a DmGPCR DNA also makes possible through use of Southern hybridization or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the identification of genomic DNA sequences encoding DmGPCR expression control regulatory sequences such as promoters, operators, enhancers, repressors, and the like. Polynucleotides of the invention are also useful in hybridization assays to detect the capacity of cells to express DmGPCR. Polynucleotides of the invention may also provide a basis for diagnostic methods useful for identifying a genetic alteration(s) in a DmGPCR locus that underlies a disease state or states, which information is useful both for diagnosis and for selection of therapeutic strategies.

The disclosure herein of a full-length polynucleotide encoding a DmGPCR polypeptide makes readily available to the worker of ordinary skill in the art every possible fragment of the full length polynucleotide. The invention therefore provides fragments of DmGPCR-encoding polynucleotides comprising at least 14, and preferably at least 16, 18, 20, 25, 50, or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a polynucleotide encoding DmGPCR. Preferably, fragment polynucleotides of the invention comprise sequences unique to the DmGPCR-encoding polynucleotide sequence, and therefore hybridize under highly stringent or moderately stringent conditions only (i.e., “specifically”) to polynucleotides encoding DmGPCR (or fragments thereof). Polynucleotide fragments of genomic sequences of the invention comprise not only sequences unique to the coding region, but also include fragments of the full-length sequence derived from introns, regulatory regions, and/or other non-translated sequences. Sequences unique to polynucleotides of the invention are recognizable through sequence comparison to other known polynucleotides, and can be identified through use of alignment programs routinely utilized in the art, e.g., those made available in public sequence databases. Such sequences also are recognizable from Southern hybridization analyses to determine the number of fragments of genomic DNA to which a polynucleotide will hybridize. Polynucleotides of the invention can be labeled in a manner that permits their detection, including radioactive, fluorescent, and enzymatic labeling.

Fragment polynucleotides are particularly useful as probes for detection of full-length or fragment DmGPCR polynucleotides. One or more polynucleotides can be included in kits that are used to detect the presence of a polynucleotide encoding DmGPCR, or used to detect variations in a polynucleotide sequence encoding DmGPCR.

The invention also embraces DNAs encoding DmGPCR polypeptides that hybridize under moderately stringent or high stringency conditions to the non-coding strand, or complement, ofthe polynucleotides in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23.

Exemplary highly stringent hybridization conditions are as follows: hybridization at 42° C. in a hybridization solution comprising 50% formamide, 1% SDS, 1 M NaCl, 10% Dextran sulfate, and washing twice for 30 minutes at 60° C. in a wash solution comprising 0.1×SSC and 1% SDS. It is understood in the art that conditions of equivalent stringency can be achieved through variation of temperature and buffer, or salt concentration as described Ausubel, et al. (Eds.), Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons (1994), pp. 6.0.3 to 6.4.10. Modifications in hybridization conditions can be empirically determined or precisely calculated based on the length and the percentage of guanosine/cytosine (GC) base pairing of the probe. The hybridization conditions can be calculated as described in Sambrook, et al., (Eds.), Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989), pp. 9.47 to 9.51.

Autonomously replicating recombinant expression constructs such as plasmid and viral DNA vectors incorporating polynucleotides of the invention are also provided. Expression constructs wherein DmGPCR-encoding polynucleotides are operatively linked to an endogenous or exogenous expression control DNA sequence and a transcription terminator are also provided. Expression control DNA sequences include promoters, enhancers, operators, and regulatory element binding sites generally, and are typically selected based on the expression systems in which the expression construct is to be utilized. Preferred promoter and enhancer sequences are generally selected for the ability to increase gene expression, while operator sequences are generally selected for the ability to regulate gene expression. Expression constructs of the invention may also include sequences encoding one or more selectable markers that permit identification of host cells bearing the construct. Expression constructs may also include sequences that facilitate, and preferably promote, homologous recombination in a host cell. Preferred constructs of the invention also include sequences necessary for replication in a host cell.

Expression constructs are preferably utilized for production of an encoded protein, but may also be utilized simply to amplify a DmGPCR-encoding polynucleotide sequence.

According to another aspect of the invention, host cells are provided, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, comprising a polynucleotide of the invention (or vector of the invention) in a manner which permits expression of the encoded DmGPCR polypeptide. Polynucleotides of the invention may be introduced into the host cell as part of a circular plasmid, or as linear DNA comprising an isolated protein coding region or a viral vector. Methods for introducing DNA into the host cell that are well known and routinely practiced in the art include transformation, transfection, electroporation, nuclear injection, or fusion with carriers such as liposomes, micelles, ghost cells, and protoplasts. Expression systems of the invention include bacterial, yeast, fungal, plant, insect, invertebrate, vertebrate, and mammalian cells systems.

Host cells of the invention are a valuable source of immunogen for development of antibodies specifically immunoreactive with DmGPCR. Host cells of the invention are also useful in methods for the large-scale production of DmGPCR polypeptides wherein the cells are grown in a suitable culture medium and the desired polypeptide products are isolated from the cells, or from the medium in which the cells are grown, by purification methods known in the art, e.g., conventional chromatographic methods including immunoaffinity chromatography, receptor affinity chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, lectin affinity chromatography, size exclusion filtration, cation or anion exchange chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), reverse phase HPLC, and the like. Still other methods of purification include those methods wherein the desired protein is expressed and purified as a fusion protein having a specific tag, label, or chelating moiety that is recognized by a specific binding partner or agent. The purified protein can be cleaved to yield the desired protein, or can be left as an intact fusion protein. Cleavage of the fusion component may produce a form of the desired protein having additional amino acid residues as a result of the cleavage process.

Knowledge of DmGPCR DNA sequences allows for modification of cells to permit, or increase, expression of endogenous DmGPCR. Cells can be modified (e.g., by homologous recombination) to provide increased expression by replacing, in whole or in part, the naturally occurring DmGPCR promoter with all or part of a heterologous promoter so that the cells express DmGPCR at higher levels. The heterologous promoter is inserted in such a manner that it is operatively linked to endogenous DmGPCR encoding sequences. (See, for example, PCT International Publication No. WO 94/12650, PCT International Publication No. WO 92/20808, and PCT International Publication No. WO 91/09955.) It is also contemplated that, in addition to heterologous promoter DNA, amplifiable marker DNA (e.g., ada, dhfr, and the multifunctional is CAD gene which encodes carbamoyl phosphate synthase, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase) and/or intron DNA may be inserted along with the heterologous promoter DNA. If linked to the DmGPCR coding sequence, amplification of the marker DNA by standard selection methods results in co-amplification of the DmGPCR coding sequences in the cells.

The DNA sequence information provided by the present invention also makes possible the development (e.g., by homologous recombination or “knock-out” strategies; see Capecchi, Science 244:1288-1292 (1989)) of animals that fail to express functional DmGPCR or that express a variant of DmGPCR. Such animals (especially small laboratory animals such as rats, rabbits, and mice) are useful as models for studying the in vivo activities of DmGPCR and modulators of DmGPCR.

Also made available by the invention are anti-sense polynucleotides which recognize and hybridize to polynucleotides encoding DmGPCR. Full-length and fragment anti-sense polynucleotides are provided. Fragment antisense molecules of the invention include (i) those which specifically recognize and hybridize to DmGPCR RNA (as determined by sequence comparison of DNA encoding DmGPCR to DNA encoding other known molecules). Identification of sequences unique to DmGPCR-encoding polynucleotides, can be deduced through use of any publicly available sequence database, and/or through use of commercially available sequence comparison programs. After identification of the desired sequences, isolation through restriction digestion or amplification using any of the various polymerase chain reaction techniques well known in the art can be performed. Anti-sense polynucleotides are particularly relevant to regulating expression of DmGPCR by those cells expressing DmGPCR mRNA.

Antisense nucleic acids (preferably 10 to 20 base-pair oligonucleotides) capable of specifically binding to DmGPCR expression control sequences or DmGPCR RNA are introduced into cells (e.g., by a viral vector or colloidal dispersion system such as a liposome). The antisense nucleic acid binds to the DmGPCR target nucleotide sequence in the cell and prevents transcription and/or translation of the target sequence. Phosphorothioate and methylphosphonate antisense oligonucleotides are specifically contemplated for therapeutic use by the invention. The antisense oligonucleotides may be further modified by poly-L-lysine, transferrin polylysine, or cholesterol moieties at their 5′ end. Suppression of DmGPCR expression at either the transcriptional or translational level is useful to generate cellular or animal models for diseases/conditions characterized by aberrant DmGPCR expression.

The DmGPCR sequences taught in the present invention facilitate the design of novel transcription factors for modulating DmGPCR expression in native cells and animals, and cells transformed or transfected with DmGPCR polynucleotides. For example, the Cys₂-His₂ zinc finger proteins, which bind DNA via their zinc finger domains, have been shown to be amenable to structural changes that lead to the recognition of different target sequences. These artificial zinc finger proteins recognize specific target sites with high affinity and low dissociation constants, and are able to act as gene switches to modulate gene expression. Knowledge of the particular DmGPCR target sequence of the present invention facilitates the engineering of zinc finger proteins specific for the target sequence using known methods such as a combination of structure-based modeling and screening of phage display libraries (Segal et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 96:2758-2763 (1999); Liu et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 94:5525-5530 (1997); Greisman et al., Science 275:657-661 (1997); Choo et al., J. Mol. Biol. 273:525-532 (1997)). Each zinc finger domain usually recognizes three or more base pairs. Since a recognition sequence of 18 base pairs is generally sufficient in length to render it unique in any known genome, a zinc finger protein consisting of 6 tandem repeats of zinc fingers would be expected to ensure specificity for a particular sequence (Segal et al.) The artificial zinc finger repeats, designed based on DmGPCR sequences, are fused to activation or repression domains to promote or suppress DmGPCR expression (Liu et al.) Alternatively, the zinc finger domains can be fused to the TATA box-binding factor (TBP) with varying lengths of linker region between the zinc finger peptide and the TBP to create either transcriptional activators or repressors (Kim et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 94:3616-3620 (1997). Such proteins, and polynucleotides that encode them, have utility for modulating DmGPCR expression in vivo. The novel transcription factor can be delivered to the target cells by transfecting constructs that express the transcription factor (gene therapy), or by introducing the protein. Engineered zinc finger proteins can also be designed to bind RNA sequences for use in therapeutics as alternatives to antisense or catalytic RNA methods (McColl et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 96:9521-9526 (1997); Wu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 92:344-348 (1995)). The present invention contemplates methods of designing such transcription factors based on the gene sequence of the invention, as well as customized zinc finger proteins, that are useful to modulate DmGPCR expression in cells (native or transformed) whose genetic complement includes these sequences.

The invention also provides purified and isolated mammalian DmGPCR polypeptides encoded by a polynucleotide of the invention. Presently preferred is a DmGPCR polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set out in any of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24.

The invention also embraces polypeptides that have at least 99%,at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%, at least 65%, at least 60%, at least 55% or at least 50% identity and/or homology to the preferred polypeptide of the invention. Percent amino acid sequence “identity” with respect to the preferred polypeptide of the invention is defined herein as the percentage of amino acid residues in the candidate sequence that are identical with the residues in the DmGPCR sequence after aligning both sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Percent sequence “homology” with respect to the preferred polypeptide of the invention is defined herein as the percentage of amino acid residues in the candidate sequence that are identical with the residues in the DmGPCR sequence after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and also considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity.

In one aspect, percent homology is calculated as the percentage of amino acid residues in the smaller of two sequences which align with identical amino acid residue in the sequence being compared, when four gaps in a length of 100 amino acids may be introduced to maximize alignment (Dayhoff, in Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, Vol. 5, p. 124, National Biochemical Research Foundation, Washington, D.C. (1972), incorporated herein by reference).

Polypeptides of the invention may be isolated from natural cell sources or may be chemically synthesized, but are preferably produced by recombinant procedures involving host cells of the invention. Use of mammalian host cells is expected to provide for such post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation, truncation, lipidation, and phosphorylation) as may be needed to confer optimal biological activity on recombinant expression products of the invention. Glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms of DmGPCR polypeptides. are embraced by the invention.

The invention also embraces variant (or analog) DmGPCR polypeptides. In one example, insertion variants are provided wherein one or more amino acid residues supplement a DmGPCR amino acid sequence. Insertions may be located at either or both termini of the protein, or may be positioned within internal regions of the DmGPCR amino acid sequence. Insertional variants with additional residues at either or both termini can include, for example, fusion proteins and proteins including amino acid tags or labels.

Insertion variants include DmGPCR polypeptides wherein one or more amino acid residues are added to a DmGPCR acid sequence, or to a biologically active fragment thereof.

Variant products of the invention also include mature DmGPCR products, ie., DmGPCR products wherein leader or signal sequences are removed, with additional amino terminal residues. The additional amino terminal residues may be derived from another protein, or may include one or more residues that are not identifiable as being derived from specific proteins. DmGPCR products with an additional methionine residue at position −1 (Met⁻¹-DmGPCR) are contemplated, as are variants with additional methionine and lysine residues at positions −2 and −1 (Met⁻²-Lys⁻¹-DmGPCR). Variants of DmGPCR with additional Met, Met-Lys, Lys residues (or one or more basic residues in general) are particularly useful for enhanced recombinant protein production in bacterial host cells.

The invention also embraces DmGPCR variants having additional amino acid residues which result from use of specific expression systems. For example, use of commercially available vectors that express a desired polypeptide as part of a glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion product provides the desired polypeptide having an additional glycine residue at position −1 after cleavage of the GST component from the desired polypeptide. Variants which result from expression in other vector systems are also contemplated.

Insertional variants also include fusion proteins wherein the amino terminus and/or the carboxy terminus of DmGPCR is/are fused to another polypeptide.

In another aspect, the invention provides deletion variants wherein one or more amino acid residues in a DmGPCR polypeptide are removed. Deletions can be effected at one or both termini of the DmGPCR polypeptide, or with removal of one or more non-terminal amino acid residues of DmGPCR. Deletion variants, therefore, include all fragments of a DmGPCR polypeptide.

The invention also embraces polypeptide fragments of the sequence set out in any of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or 24 wherein the fragments maintain biological (e.g., ligand binding and/or intracellular signaling) immunological properties of a DmGPCR polypeptide. Fragments comprising at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40 consecutive amino acids of any of the polypeptides described herein are comprehended by the invention. Preferred polypeptide fragments display antigenic properties unique to, or specific for, DmGPCR and its allelic and species homologs. Fragments of the invention having the desired biological and immunological properties can be prepared by any of the methods well known and routinely practiced in the art.

In still another aspect, the invention provides substitution variants of DmGPCR polypeptides. Substitution variants include those polypeptides wherein one or more amino acid residues of a DmGPCR polypeptide are removed and replaced with alternative residues. In one aspect, the substitutions are conservative in nature; however, the invention embraces substitutions that are also non-conservative. Conservative substitutions for this purpose may be defined as set out in Tables 1, 2, or 3 below.

Variant polypeptides include those wherein conservative substitutions have been introduced by modification of polynucleotides encoding polypeptides of the invention. Amino acids can be classified according to physical properties and contribution to secondary and tertiary protein structure. A conservative substitution is recognized in the art as a substitution of one amino acid for another amino acid that has similar properties. Exemplary conservative substitutions are set out in Table 1 (from WO 97/09433, page 10, published Mar. 13, 1997 (PCT/GB96/02197, filed Sep. 6, 1996), immediately below.

TABLE 1 Conservative Substitutions I SIDE CHAIN CHARACTERISTIC AMINO ACID Aliphatic Non-polar G A P I L V Polar - uncharged C S T M N Q Polar - charged D E K R Aromatic H F W Y Other N Q D E Alternatively, conservative amino acids can be grouped as described in Lehninger, (Biochemistry, Second Edition; Worth Publishers, Inc. NY, N.Y. (1975), pp. 71-77) as set out in Table 2, immediately below.

TABLE 2 Conservative Substitutions II SIDE CHAIN CHARACTERISTIC AMINO ACID Non-polar (hydrophobic) A. Aliphatic: A L I V P B. Aromatic: F W C. Sulfur-containing: M D. Borderline: G Uncharged-polar A. Hydroxyl: S T Y B. Amides: N Q C. Sulfhydryl: C D. Borderline: G Positively Charged (Basic): K R H Negatively Charged (Acidic): D E As still another alternative, exemplary conservative substitutions are set out in Table 3, below.

TABLE 3 Conservative Substitutions III Original Residue Exemplary Substitution Ala (A) Val, Leu, Ile Arg (R) Lys, Gln, Asn Asn (N) Gln, His, Lys, Arg Asp (D) Glu Cys (C) Ser Gln (Q) Asn Glu (E) Asp His (H) Asn, Gln, Lys, Arg Ile (I) Leu, Val, Met, Ala, Phe, Leu (L) Ile, Val, Met, Ala, Phe Lys (K) Arg, Gln, Asn Met (M) Leu, Phe, Ile Phe (F) Leu, Val, Ile, Ala Pro (P) Gly Ser (S) Thr Thr (T) Ser Trp (W) Tyr Tyr (Y) Trp, Phe, Thr, Ser Val (V) Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Ala

It should be understood that the definition of polypeptides of the invention is intended to include polypeptides bearing modifications other than insertion, deletion, or substitution of amino acid residues. By way of example, the modifications may be covalent in nature, and include for example, chemical bonding with polymers, lipids, other organic, and inorganic moieties. Such derivatives may be prepared to increase circulating half-life of a polypeptide, or may be designed to improve the targeting capacity of the polypeptide for desired cells, tissues, or organs. Similarly, the invention further embraces DmGPCR polypeptides that have been covalently modified to include one or more water-soluble polymer attachments such as polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycol, or polypropylene glycol. Variants that display ligand binding properties of native DmGPCR and are expressed at higher levels, as well as variants that provide for constitutively active receptors, are particularly useful in assays of the invention; the variants are also useful in providing cellular, tissue and animal models of diseases/conditions characterized by aberrant DmGPCR activity.

In a related embodiment, the present invention provides compositions comprising purified polypeptides of the invention. Preferred compositions comprise, in addition to the polypeptide of the invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable (i.e., sterile and non-toxic) liquid, semisolid, or solid diluent that serves as a pharmaceutical vehicle, excipient, or medium. Any diluent known in the art may be used. Exemplary diluents include, but are not limited to, water, saline solutions, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, magnesium stearate, methyl- and propylhydroxybenzoate, talc, alginates, starches, lactose, sucrose, dextrose, sorbitol, mannitol, glycerol, calcium phosphate, mineral oil, and cocoa butter.

Variants that display ligand binding properties of native DmGPCR and are expressed at higher levels, as well as variants that provide for constitutively active receptors, are particularly useful in assays of the invention; the variants are also useful in assays of the invention and in providing cellular, tissue and animal models of diseases/conditions characterized by aberrant DmGPCR activity.

With the knowledge of the nucleotide sequence information disclosed in the present invention, one skilled in the art can identify and obtain nucleotide sequences which encode DmGPCRs from different sources (ie., different tissues or different organisms) through a variety of means well known to the skilled artisan and as disclosed by, for example, Sambrook et al., “Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual”, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, DNA that encodes DmGPCR may be obtained by screening of mRNA, cDNA, or genomic DNA with oligonucleotide probes generated from the DmGPCR gene sequence information provided herein. Probes may be labeled with a detectable group, such as a fluorescent group, a radioactive atom or a chemiluminescent group in accordance with procedures known to the skilled artisan and used in conventional hybridization assays, as described by, for example, Sambrook et al.

A nucleic acid molecule comprising any of the DmGPCR nucleotide sequences described above can alternatively be synthesized by use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure, with the PCR oligonucleotide primers produced from the nucleotide sequences provided herein. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195 to Mullis et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202 to Mullis. The PCR reaction provides a method for selectively increasing the concentration of a particular nucleic acid sequence even when that sequence has not been previously purified and is present only in a single copy in a particular sample. The method can be used to amplify either single- or double-stranded DNA. The essence of the method involves the use of two oligonucleotides probes to serve as primers for the template-dependent, polymerase mediated replication of a desired nucleic acid molecule.

A wide variety of alternative cloning and in vitro amplification methodologies are well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of these techniques are found in, for example, Berger et al., Guide to Molecular Cloning Techniques, Methods in Enzymology 152 Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (Berger), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention, and fragments derived therefrom, are useful for screening for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) associated with certain disorders, as well as for genetic mapping.

Antisense oligonucleotides, or fragments of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23, or sequences complementary or homologous thereto, derived from the nucleotide sequences of the present invention encoding DmGPCR are useful as diagnostic tools for probing gene expression in various tissues. For example, tissue can be probed in situ with oligonucleotide probes carrying detectable groups by conventional autoradiography techniques to investigate native expression of this enzyme or pathological conditions relating thereto. Antisense oligonucleotides are preferably directed to regulatory regions of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23, or mRNA corresponding thereto, including, but not limited to, the initiation codon, TATA box, enhancer sequences, and the like.

Automated sequencing methods can be used to obtain or verify the nucleotide sequence of DmGPCR. The DmGPCR nucleotide sequences of the present invention are believed to be 100% accurate. However, as is known in the art, nucleotide sequence obtained by automated methods may contain some errors. Nucleotide sequences determined by automation are typically at least about 90%, more typically at least about 95% to at least about 99.9% identical, to the actual nucleotide sequence of a given nucleic acid molecule. The actual sequence may be more precisely determined using manual sequencing methods, which are well known in the art. An error in a sequence which results in an insertion or deletion of one or more nucleotides may result in a frame shift in translation such that the predicted amino acid sequence will differ from that which would be predicted from the actual nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule, starting at the point of the mutation.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to vectors, or recombinant expression vectors, comprising any of the nucleic acid molecules described above. Vectors are used herein either to anplify DNA or RNA encoding DmGPCR and/or to express DNA which encodes DmGPCR. Preferred vectors include, but are not limited to, plasmids, phages, cosmids, episomes, viral particles or viruses, and integratable DNA fragments (i.e., fragments integratable into the host genome by homologous recombination). Preferred viral particles include, but are not limited to, adenoviruses, baculoviruses, parvoviruses, herpesviruses, poxviruses, adeno-associated viruses, Semliki Forest viruses, vaccinia viruses, and retroviruses. Preferred expression vectors include, but are not limited to, pcDNA3 (Invitrogen) and pSVL (Pharmacia Biotech). Other expression vectors include, but are not limited to, pSPORT vectors, pGEM vectors (Promega), pPROEXvectors (LTI, Bethesda, Md.), Bluescript vectors (Stratagene), pQE vectors (Qiagen), pSE420 (Invitrogen), and pYES2 (Invitrogen).

Preferred expression vectors are replicable DNA constructs in which a DNA sequence encoding DmGPCR is operably linked or connected to suitable control sequences capable of effecting the expression of the DmGPCR in a suitable host. DNA regions are operably linked or connected when they are functionally related to each other. For example, a promoter is operably linked or connected to a coding sequence if it controls the transcription of the sequence. Amplification vectors do not require expression control domains, but rather need only the ability to replicate in a host, usually conferred by an origin of replication, and a selection gene to facilitate recognition of transformants. The need for control sequences in the expression vector will vary depending upon the host selected and the transformation method chosen. Generally, control sequences include a transcriptional promoter, an optional operator sequence to control transcription, a sequence encoding suitable mRNA ribosomal binding, and sequences which control the termination of transcription and translation.

Preferred vectors preferably contain a promoter that is recognised by the host organism. The promoter sequences of the present invention may be prokaryotic, eukaryotic or viral. Examples of suitable prokaryotic sequences include the P_(R) and P_(L) promoters of bacteriophage lambda (The bacteriophage Lambda, Hershey, A. D., Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1973), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; Lambda II, Hendrix, R. W., Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1980), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety); the trp, recA, heat shock, and lacZ promoters of E. coli and the SV40 early promoter (Benoist, et al. Nature, 1981, 290, 304-310, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Additional promoters include, but are not limited to, mouse mammary tumor virus, long terminal repeat of human immunodeficiency virus, maloney virus, cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter, Epstein Barr virus, rous sarcoma virus, human actin, human myosin, human hemoglobin, human muscle creatine, and human metalothionein.

Additional regulatory sequences can also be included in preferred vectors. Preferred examples of suitable regulatory sequences are represented by the Shine-Dalgarno of the replicase gene of the phage MS-2 and of the gene cII of bacteriophage lambda. The Shine-Dalgarno sequence may be directly followed by DNA encoding DmGPCR and result in the expression of the mature DmGPCR protein.

Moreover, suitable expression vectors can include an appropriate marker that allows the screening of the transformed host cells. The transformation of the selected host is carried out using any one of the various techniques well known to the expert in the art and described in Sambrook et al., supra.

An origin of replication can also be provided either by construction of the vector to include an exogenous origin or may be provided by the host cell chromosomal replication mechanism. If the vector is integrated into the host cell chromosome, the latter may be sufficient. Alternatively, rather than using vectors which contain viral origins of replication, one skilled in the art can transform mammalian cells by the method of co-transformation with a selectable marker and DmGPCR DNA. An example of a suitable marker is dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) or thymidine kinase (see, U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,216).

Nucleotide sequences encoding GPCR may be recombined with vector DNA in accordance with conventional techniques, including blunt-ended or staggered-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide appropriate termini, filling in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesiderable joining, and ligation with appropriate ligases. Techniques for such manipulation are disclosed by Sambrook et al., supra and are well known in the art. Methods for construction of mammalian expression vectors are disclosed in, for example, Okayama et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 1983, 3, 280, Cosman et al., Mol. Immunol., 1986, 23, 935, Cosman et al., Nature, 1984, 312, 768, EP-A-0367566, and WO 91/18982, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to transformed host cells having an expression vector comprising any of the nucleic acid molecules described above. Expression of the nucleotide sequence occurs when the expression vector is introduced into an appropriate host cell. Suitable host cells for expression of the polypeptides of the invention include, but are not limited to, prokaryotes, yeast, and eukaryotes. If a prokaryotic expression vector is employed, then the appropriate host cell would be any prokaryotic cell capable of expressing the cloned sequences. Suitable prokaryotic cells include, but are not limited to, bacteria of the genera Escherichia, Bacillus, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus.

If a eukaryotic expression vector is employed, then the appropriate host cell would be any eukaryotic cell capable of expressing the cloned sequence. Preferably, eukaryotic cells are cells of higher eukaryotes. Suitable eukaryotic cells include, but are not limited to, non-human mammalian tissue culture cells and human tissue culture cells. Preferred host cells include, but are not limited to, insect cells, HeLa cells, Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO cells), African green monkey kidney cells (COS cells), human 293 cells, and murine 3T3 fibroblasts. Propagation of such cells in cell culture has become a routine procedure (see, Tissue Culture, Academic Press, Kruse and Patterson, eds. (1973), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

In addition, a yeast host may be employed as a host cell. Preferred yeast cells include, but are not limited to, the genera Saccharomyces, Pichia, and Kluveromyces. Preferred yeast hosts are S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris. Preferred yeast vectors can contain an origin of replication sequence from a 2T yeast plasmid, an autonomously replication sequence (ARS), a promoter region, sequences for polyadenylation, sequences for transcription termination, and a selectable marker gene. Shuttle vectors for replication in both yeast and E. coli are also included herein.

Alternatively, insect cells may be used as host cells. In a preferred embodiment, the polypeptides of the invention are expressed using a baculovirus expression system (see, Luckow et al., Bio/Technology, 1988, 6,47, Baculovirus Expression Vectors: A Laboratory Manual, O'Rielly et al. (Eds.), W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 1992, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,236, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In addition, the MAXBAC™ complete baculovirus expression system (Invitrogen) can, for example, be used for production in insect cells.

Also comprehended by the present invention are antibodies (e.g., monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, single chain antibodies, chimeric antibodies, bifunctional/bispecific antibodies, humanized antibodies, human antibodies, and complementary determining region (CDR)-grafted antibodies, including compounds which include CDR sequences which specifically recognize a polypeptide of the invention) specific for DmGPCR or fragments thereof. Preferred antibodies of the invention are human antibodies which are produced and identified according to methods described in WO93/11236, published Jun. 20, 1993, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Antibody fragments, including Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, and F_(v), are also provided by the invention. The term “specific for,” when used to describe antibodies of the invention, indicates that the variable regions of the antibodies of the invention recognize and bind DmGPCR polypeptides exclusively (i.e., are able to distinguish DmGPCR polypeptides from other known GPCR polypeptides by virtue of measurable differences in binding affinity, despite the possible existence of localized sequence identity, homology, or similarity between DmGPCR and such polypeptides). It will be understood that specific antibodies may also interact with other proteins (for example, S. aureus protein A or other antibodies in ELISA techniques) through interactions with sequences outside the variable region of the antibodies, and, in particular, in the constant region of the molecule. Screening assays to determine binding specificity of an antibody of the invention are well known and routinely practiced in the art. For a comprehensive discussion of such assays, see Harlow et al. (Eds.), Antibodies A Laboratory Manual; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1988), Chapter 6. Antibodies that recognize and bind fragments of the DmGPCR polypeptides of the invention are also contemplated, provided that the antibodies are specific for DmGPCR polypeptides. Antibodies of the invention can be produced using any method well known and routinely practiced in the art.

Non-human antibodies may be humanized by any of the methods known in the art. In one method, the non-human CDRs are inserted into a human antibody or consensus antibody framework sequence. Further changes can then be introduced into the antibody framework to modulate affinity or immunogenicity.

Antibodies of the invention are useful for, e.g., therapeutic purposes (by modulating activity of DmGPCR), diagnostic purposes to detect or quantitate DmGPCR, and purification of DmGPCR. Kits comprising an antibody of the invention for any of the purposes described herein are also comprehended. In general, a kit of the invention also includes a control antigen for which the antibody is immunospecific.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to methods of inducing an immune response in a mammal against a polypeptide of the invention by administering to the mammal an amount of the polypeptide sufficient to induce an immune response. The amount will be dependent on the animal species, size of the animal, and the like but can be determined by those skilled in the art.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising any of the nucleic acid molecules or recombinant expression vectors described above and an acceptable carrier or diluent. Preferably, the carrier or diluent is pharmaceutically acceptable. Suitable carriers are described in the most recent edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, A. Osol, a standard reference text in this field, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferred examples of such carriers or diluents include, but are not limited to, water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, and 5% human serum albumin. Liposomes and nonaqueous vehicles such as fixed oils may also be used. The formulations are sterilized by commonly used techniques.

With the knowledge of the nucleotide sequence information disclosed in the present invention, one skilled in the art can identify and obtain nucleotide sequences which encode FaRP-binding GPCRs from different sources (i.e., different tissues or different organisms) through a variety of means well known to the skilled artisan and as disclosed by, for example, Sambrook et al., “Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual”, Second Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

For example, DNA that encodes GPCR may be obtained by screening of mRNA, cDNA, or genomic DNA with oligonucleotide probes generated from the DmGPCR gene sequence information provided herein. Probes may be labeled with a detectable group, such as a fluorescent group, a radioactive atom or a chemiluminescent group in accordance with procedures known to the skilled artisan and used in conventional hybridization assays, as described by, for example, Sambrook et al.

Specific binding molecules, including natural ligands and synthetic compounds, can be identified or developed using isolated or recombinant DmGPCR products, DmGPCR variants, or preferably, cells expressing such products. Binding partners are useful for purifying DmGPCR products and detection or quantification of DmGPCR products in fluid and tissue samples using known immunological procedures. Binding molecules are also manifestly useful in modulating (i.e., blocking, inhibiting or stimulating) biological activities of DmGPCR, especially those activities involved in signal transduction.

The DNA and amino acid sequence information provided by the present invention also makes possible identification of binding partner compounds with which a DmGPCR polypeptide or polynucleotide will interact. Methods to identify binding partner compounds include solution assays, in vitro assays wherein DmGPCR polypeptides are immobilized, and cell-based assays. Identification of binding partner compounds of DmGPCR polypeptides provides candidates for therapeutic or prophylactic intervention in pathologies associated with DmGPCR normal and aberrant biological activity.

The invention includes several assay systems for identifying DmGPCR binding partners. In solution assays, methods of the invention comprise the steps of (a) contacting a DmGPCR polypeptide with one or more candidate binding partner compounds and (b) identifying the compounds that bind to the DmGPCR polypeptide. Identification of the compounds that bind the DmGPCR polypeptide can be achieved by isolating the DmGPCR polypeptide/binding partner complex, and separating the binding partner compound from the DmGPCR polypeptide. An additional step of characterizing the physical, biological, and/or biochemical properties of the binding partner compound is also comprehended in another embodiment of the invention. In one aspect, the DmGPCR polypeptide/binding partner complex is isolated using an antibody immunospecific for either the DmGPCR polypeptide or the candidate binding partner compound.

In still other embodiments, either the DmGPCR polypeptide or the candidate binding partner compound comprises a label or tag that facilitates its isolation, and methods of the invention to identify binding partner compounds include a step of isolating the DmGPCR polypeptide/binding partner complex through interaction with the label or tag. An exemplary tag of this type is a poly-histidine sequence, generally around six histidine residues, that permits isolation of a compound so labeled using nickel chelation. Other labels and tags, such as the FLAG® tag (Eastman Kodak, Rochester, N.Y.), well known and routinely used in the art, are embraced by the invention.

In one variation of an in vitro assay, the invention provides a method comprising the steps of (a) contacting an immobilized DmGPCR polypeptide with a candidate binding partner compound and (b) detecting binding of the candidate compound to the DmGPCR polypeptide. In an alternative embodiment, the candidate binding partner compound is immobilized and binding of DmGPCR is detected. Immobilization is accomplished using any of the methods well known in the art, including covalent bonding to a support, a bead, or a chromatographic resin, as well as non-covalent, high affinity interactions such as antibody binding, or use of streptavidin/biotin binding wherein the immobilized compound includes a biotin moiety. Detection of binding can be accomplished (i) using a radioactive label on the compound that is not immobilized, (ii) using of a fluorescent label on the non-immobilized compound, (iii) using an antibody immunospecific for the non-immobilized compound, (iv) using a label on the non-immobilized compound that excites a fluorescent support to which the immobilized compound is attached, as well as other techniques well known and routinely practiced in the art.

The invention also provides cell-based assays to identify binding partner compounds of a DmGPCR polypeptide. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising the steps of contacting a DmGPCR polypeptide expressed on the surface of a cell with a candidate binding partner compound and detecting binding of the candidate binding partner compound to the DmGPCR polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, the detection comprises detecting a calcium flux or other physiological event in the cell caused by the binding of the molecule.

Agents that modulate (i.e., increase, decrease, or block) DmGPCR activity or expression may be identified by incubating a putative modulator with a cell containing a DmGPCR polypeptide or polynucleotide and determining the effect of the putative modulator on DmGPCR activity or expression. The selectivity of a compound that modulates the activity of DmGPCR can be evaluated by comparing its effects on DmGPCR to its effect on other GPCR compounds. Selective modulators may include, for example, antibodies and other proteins, peptides, or organic molecules which specifically bind to a DmGPCR polypeptide or a DmGPCR-encoding nucleic acid. Modulators of DmGPCR activity will be therapeutically useful in treatment of diseases and physiological conditions in which normal or aberrant DmGPCR activity is involved. DmGPCR polynucleotides, polypeptides, and modulators may be used in the treatment of such diseases and conditions as infections, such as viral infections caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2; pain; cancers; Parkinson's disease; hypotension; hypertension; and psychotic and neurological disorders, including anxiety, schizophrenia, manic depression, delirium, dementia, severe mental retardation and dyskinesias, such as Huntington's disease or Tourette's Syndrome, among others. DmGPCR polynucleotides and polypeptides, as well as DmGPCR modulators, may also be used in diagnostic assays for such diseases or conditions.

Methods of the invention to identify modulators include variations on any of the methods described above to identify binding partner compounds, the variations including techniques wherein a binding partner compound has been identified and the binding assay is carried out in the presence and absence of a candidate modulator. A modulator is identified in those instances where binding between the DmGPCR polypeptide and the binding partner compound changes in the presence of the candidate modulator compared to binding in the absence of the candidate modulator compound. A modulator that increases binding between the DmGPCR polypeptide and the binding partner compound is described as an enhancer or activator, and a modulator that decreases binding between the DmGPCR polypeptide and the binding partner compound is described as an inhibitor.

The invention also comprehends high-throughput screening (HTS) assays to identify compounds that interact with or inhibit biological activity (i.e., affect enzymatic activity, binding activity, etc.) of a DmGPCR polypeptide. HTS assays permit screening of large numbers of compounds in an efficient manner. Cell-based HTS systems are contemplated to investigate DmGPCR receptor-ligand interaction. HTS assays are designed to identify “hits” or “lead compounds” having the desired property, from which modifications can be designed to improve the desired property. Chemical modification of the “hit” or “lead compound” is often based on an identifiable structure/activity relationship between the “hit” and the DmGPCR polypeptide.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to methods of identifying compounds that bind to either DmGPCR or nucleic acid molecules encoding DmGPCR, comprising contacting DmGPCR, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the same, with a compound, and determining whether the compound binds DmGPCR, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the same. Binding can be determined by binding assays which are well known to the skilled artisan, including, but not limited to, gel-shift assays, Western blots, radiolabeled competition assay, phage-based expression cloning, co-fractionation by chromatography, co-precipitation, cross linking, interaction trap/two-hybrid analysis, southwestern analysis, ELISA, and the like, which are described in, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, 1999, John Wiley & Sons, NY, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The compounds to be screened include (which may include compounds which are suspected to bind DmGPCR, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the same), but are not limited to, extracellular, intracellular, biologic or chemical origin.

The methods of the invention also embrace neuropeptides that are attached to a label, such as a radiolabel (e.g., ¹²⁵I, ³⁵S, ³²P, ³³P, ³H), a fluorescence label, a chemiluminescent label, an enzymnic label and an immunogenic label. Modulators falling within the scope of the invention include, but are not limited to, non-peptide molecules such as non-peptide mimetics, non-peptide allosteric effectors, and peptides. The DmGPCR polypeptide or polynucleotide employed in such a test may either be free in solution, attached to a solid support, borne on a cell surface or located intracellularly or associated with a portion of a cell. One skilled in the art can, for example, measure the formation of complexes between DmGPCR and the compound being tested. Alternatively, one skilled in the art can examine the diminution in complex formation between DmGPCR and its substrate caused by the compound being tested.

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to methods of identifying compounds which modulate (i.e., increase or decrease) activity of DmGPCR comprising contacting DmGPCR with a compound, and determining whether the compound modifies activity of DmGPCR. The activity in the presence of the test compared is measured to the activity in the absence of the test compound. Where the activity of the sample containing the test compound is higher than the activity in the sample lacking the test compound, the compound will have increased activity. Similarly, where the activity of the sample containing the test compound is lower than the activity in the sample lacking the test compound, the compound will have inhibited activity.

The present invention is particularly useful for screening compounds by using DmGPCR in any of a variety of drug screening techniques. The compounds to be screened include (which may include compounds which are suspected to modulate DmGPCR activity), but are not limited to, extracellular, intracellular, biologic or chemical origin. The DmGPCR polypeptide employed in such a test may be in any form, preferably, free in solution, attached to a solid support, borne on a cell surface or located intracellularly. One skilled in the art can, for example, measure the formation of complexes between DmGPCR and the compound being tested. Alternatively, one skilled in the art can examine the diminution in complex formation between DmGPCR and its substrate caused by the compound being tested.

The activity of DmGPCR polypeptides of the invention can be determined by, for example, examining the ability to bind or be activated by chemically synthesized peptide ligands. Alternatively, the activity of the DmGPCRs can be assayed by examining their ability to bind calcium ions, hormones, chemokines, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, nucleotides, lipids, odorants, and photons. Alternatively, the activity of the GPCRs can be determined by examining the activity of effector molecules including, but not limited to, adenylate cyclase, phospholipases and ion channels. Thus, modulators of GPCR activity may alter a GPCR receptor function, such as a binding property of a receptor or an activity such as G protein-mediated signal transduction or membrane localization. In various embodiments of the method, the assay may take the form of an ion flux assay, a yeast growth assay, a non-hydrolyzable GTP assay such as a [³⁵S]-GTP S assay, a cAMP assay, an inositol triphosphate assay, a diacylglycerol assay, an Aequorin assay, a Luciferase assay, a FLIPR assay for intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, a mitogenesis assay, a MAP Kinase activity assay, an arachidonic acid release assay (e.g., using [³H]-arachidonic acid), and an assay for extracellular acidification rates, as well as other binding or function-based assays of DmGPCR activity that are generally known in the art. In several of these embodiments, the invention comprehends the inclusion of any of the G proteins known in the art, such as G₁₆, G₁₅, or chimeric G_(qd5), G_(qs5), G_(qo5), G_(q25), and the like. DmGPCR activity can be determined by methodologies that are used to assay for FaRP activity, which is well known to those skilled in the art. Biological activities of DmGPCR receptors according to the invention include, but are not limited to, the binding of a natural or an unnatural ligand, as well as any one of the functional activities of GPCRs known in the art. Non-limiting examples of GPCR activities include transmembrane signaling of various forms, which may involve G protein association and/or the exertion of an influence over G protein binding of various guanidylate nucleotides; another exemplary activity of GPCRs is the binding of accessory proteins or polypeptides that differ from known G proteins.

The modulators of the invention exhibit a variety of chemical structures, which can be generally grouped into non-peptide mimetics of natural GPCR receptor ligands, peptide and non-peptide allosteric effectors of GPCR receptors, and peptides that may function as activators or inhibitors (competitive, uncompetitive and non-competitive) (e.g., antibody products) of GPCR receptors. The invention does not restrict the sources for suitable modulators, which may be obtained from natural sources such as plant, animal or mineral extracts, or non-natural sources such as small molecule libraries, including the products of combinatorial chemical approaches to library construction, and peptide libraries. Examples of peptide modulators of GPCR receptors exhibit the following primary structures: GLGPRPLRFamide, GNSFLRFamide, GGPQGPLRFamide, GPSGPLRFamide, PDVDHVFLRFamide, and pyro-EDVDHVFLRFamide.

Other assays can be used to examine enzymatic activity including, but not limited to, photometric, radiometric, HPLC, electrochemical, and the like, which are described in, for example, Enzyme Assays: A Practical Approach, eds. R. Eisenthal and M. J. Danson, 1992, Oxford University Press, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The use of cDNAs encoding GPCRs in drug discovery programs is well-known; assays capable of testing thousands of unknown compounds per day in high-throughput screens (HTSs) are thoroughly documented. The literature is replete with examples of the use of radiolabelled ligands in HTS binding assays for drug discovery (see Williams, Medicinal Research Reviews, 1991, 11, 147-184.; Sweetnam, et al., J. Natural Products, 1993, 56, 441-455 for review). Recombinant receptors are preferred for binding assay HTS because they allow for better specificity (higher relative purity), provide the ability to generate large amounts of receptor material, and can be used in a broad variety of formats (see Hodgson, Bio/Technology, 1992, 10, 973-980; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

A variety of heterologous systems is available for functional expression of recombinant receptors that are well known to those skilled in the art. Such systems include bacteria (Strosberg, et al., Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 1992, 13, 95-98), yeast (Pausch, Trends in Biotechnology, 1997, 15, 487-494), several kinds of insect cells (Vanden Broeck, Int. Rev. Cytology, 1996, 164, 189-268), amphibian cells (Jayawickreme et al., Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 1997, 8, 629-634) and several mammalian cell lines (CHO, HEK293, COS, etc.; see Gerhardt, et al., Eur. J. Pharmacology, 1997, 334, 1-23). These examples do not preclude the use of other possible cell expression systems, including cell lines obtained from nematodes (PCT application WO 98/37177).

In preferred embodiments of the invention, methods of screening for compounds which modulate GPCR activity comprise contacting test compounds with DmGPCR and assaying for the presence of a complex between the compound and DmGPCR. In such assays, the ligand is typically labeled. After suitable incubation, free ligand is separated from that present in bound form, and the amount of free or uncomplexed label is a measure of the ability of the particular compound to bind to DmGPCR.

In another embodiment of the invention, high throughput screening for compounds having suitable binding affinity to DmGPCR is employed. Briefly, large numbers of different small peptide test compounds are synthesised on a solid substrate. The peptide test compounds are contacted with DmGPCR and washed. Bound DmGPCR is then detected by methods well known in the art. Purified polypeptides of the invention can also be coated directly onto plates for use in the aforementioned drug screening techniques. In addition, non-neutralizing antibodies can be used to capture the protein and immobilize it on the solid support.

Generally, an expressed DmGPCR can be used for HTS binding assays in conjunction with its defined ligand, in this case the corresponding neuropeptide that activates it. The identified peptide is labeled with a suitable radioisotope, including, but not limited to, ¹²⁵I, ³H, ³⁵S or ³²P, by methods that are well known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the peptides may be labeled by well-known methods with a suitable fluorescent derivative (Baindur, et al., Drug Dev. Res., 1994, 33, 373-398; Rogers, Drug Discovery Today, 1997, 2, 156-160). Radioactive ligand specifically bound to the receptor in membrane preparations made from the cell line expressing the recombinant protein can be detected in HTS assays in one of several standard ways, including filtration of the receptor-ligand complex to separate bound ligand from unbound ligand (Williams, Med. Res. Rev., 1991, 11, 147-184.; Sweetnam, et al., J. Natural Products, 1993, 56, 441-455). Alternative methods include a scintillation proximity assay (SPA) or a FlashPlate format in which such separation is unnecessary (Nakayama, Cur. Opinion Drug Disc. Dev., 1998, 1, 85-91 Bossé, et al., J. Biomolecular Screening, 1998, 3, 285-292.). Binding of fluorescent ligands can be detected in various ways, including fluorescence energy transfer (FRET), direct spectrophotofluorometric analysis of bound ligand, or fluorescence polarization (Rogers, Drug Discovery Today, 1997, 2, 156-160; Hill, Cur. Opinion Drug Disc. Dev., 1998, 1, 92-97).

It is well known that activation of heterologous receptors expressed in recombinant systems results in a variety of biological responses, which are mediated by G proteins expressed in the host cells. Occupation of a GPCR by an agonist results in exchange of bound GDP for GTP at a binding site on the G_(α) subunit; one can use a radioactive, non-hydrolyzable derivative of GTP, GTP_(γ)[³⁵S], to measure binding of an agonist to the receptor (Sim et al., Neuroreport, 1996, 7, 729-733). One can also use this binding to measure the ability of antagonists to bind to the receptor by decreasing binding of GTP_(γ)[³⁵S] in the presence of a known agonist. One could therefore construct a HTS based on GTP_(γ)[³⁵S] binding, though this is not the preferred method.

The G proteins required for functional expression of heterologous GPCRs can be native constituents of the host cell or can be introduced through well-known recombinant technology. The G proteins can be intact or chimeric. Often, a nearly universally competent G protein (e.g., G_(α16)) is used to couple any given receptor to a detectable response pathway. G protein activation results in the stimulation or inhibition of other native proteins, events that can be linked to a measurable response.

Examples of such biological responses include, but are not limited to, the following: the ability to survive in the absence of a limiting nutrient in specifically engineered yeast cells (Pausch, Trends in Biotechnology, 1997, 15, 487-494); changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration as measured by fluorescent dyes (Murphy, et al., Cur. Opinion Drug Disc. Dev., 1998, 1, 192-199). Fluorescence changes can also be used to monitor ligand-induced changes in membrane potential or intracellular pH; an automated system suitable for HTS has been described for these purposes (Schroeder, et al., J. Biomolecular Screening, 1996, 1, 75-80). Melanophores prepared from Xenopus laevis show a ligand-dependent change in pigment organization in response to heterologous GPCR activation; this response is adaptable to HTS formats (Jayawickreme, et al., Cur. Opinion Biotechnology, 1997, 8, 629-634). Assays are also available for the measurement of common second messengers, including cAMP, phosphoinositides and arachidonic acid, but these are not generally preferred for HTS.

Preferred methods of HTS employing these receptors include permanently transfected CHO cells, in which agonists and antagonists can be identified by the ability to specifically alter the binding of GTP_(γ)[³⁵S] in membranes prepared from these cells. In another embodiment of the invention, permanently transfected CHO cells could be used for the preparation of membranes which contain significant amounts of the recombinant receptor proteins; these membrane preparations would then be used in receptor binding assays, employing the radiolabelled ligand specific for the particular receptor. Alternatively, a functional assay, such as fluorescent monitoring of ligand-induced changes in internal Ca²⁺ concentration or membrane potential in permanently transfected CHO cells containing each of these receptors individually or in combination would be preferred for HTS. Equally preferred would be an alternative type of mammalian cell, such as HEK293 or COS cells, in similar formats. More preferred would be permanently transfected insect cell lines, such as Drosophila S2 cells. Even more preferred would be recombinant yeast cells expressing the Drosophila melanogaster receptors in HTS formats well known to those skilled in the art (e.g., Pausch, Trends in Biotechnology, 1997, 15, 487-494).

The invention contemplates a multitude of assays to screen and identify inhibitors of ligand binding to DmGPCR receptors. In one example, the DmGPCR receptor is immobilized and interaction with a binding partner is assessed in the presence and absence of a candidate modulator such as an inhibitor compound. In another example, interaction between the DmGPCR receptor and its binding partner is assessed in a solution assay, both in the presence and absence of a candidate inhibitor compound. In either assay, an inhibitor is identified as a compound that decreases binding between the DmGPCR receptor and its binding partner. Another contemplated assay involves a variation of the di-hybrid assay wherein an inhibitor of protein/protein interactions is identified by detection of a positive signal in a transformed or transfected host cell, as described in PCT publication number WO 95/20652, published Aug. 3, 1995.

Candidate modulators contemplated by the invention include compounds selected from libraries of either potential activators or potential inhibitors. There are a number of different libraries used for the identification of small molecule modulators, including: (1) chemical libraries, (2) natural product libraries, and (3) combinatorial libraries comprised of random peptides, oligonucleotides or organic molecules. Chemical libraries consist of random chemical structures, some of which are analogs of known compounds or analogs of compounds that have been identified as “hits” or “leads” in other drug discovery screens, some of which are derived from natural products, and some of which arise from non-directed synthetic organic chemistry. Natural product libraries are collections of microorganisms, animals, plants, or marine organisms which are used to create mixtures for screening by: (1) fermentation and extraction of broths from soil, plant or marine microorganisms or (2) extraction of plants or marine organisms. Natural product libraries include polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and variants (non-naturally occurring) thereof. For a review, see Science 282:63-68 (1998). Combinatorial libraries are composed of large numbers of peptides, oligonucleotides, or organic compounds as a mixture. These libraries are relatively easy to prepare by traditional automated synthesis methods, PCR, cloning, or proprietary synthetic methods. Of particular interest are non-peptide combinatorial libraries. Still other libraries of interest include peptide, protein, peptidomimetic, multiparallel synthetic collection, recombinatorial, and polypeptide libraries. For a review of combinatorial chemistry and libraries created therefrom, see Myers, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8:701-707 (1997). Identification of modulators through use of the various libraries described herein permits modification of the candidate “hit” (or “lead”) to optimize the capacity of the “hit” to modulate activity.

Still other candidate inhibitors contemplated by the invention can be designed and include soluble forms of binding partners, as well as such binding partners as chimeric, or fusion, proteins. A “binding partner” as used herein broadly encompasses non-peptide modulators, as well as such peptide modulators as neuropeptides other than natural ligands, antibodies, antibody fragments, and modified compounds comprising antibody domains that are immunospecific for the expression product of the identified DmGPCR gene.

Other assays may be used to identify specific neuropeptide ligands of a DmGPCR receptor, including assays that identify ligands of the target protein through measuring direct binding of test ligands to the target protein, as well as assays that identify ligands of target proteins through affinity ultrafiltration with ion spray mass spectroscopy/HPLC methods or other physical and analytical methods. Alternatively, such binding interactions are evaluated indirectly using the yeast two-hybrid system described in Fields et al., Nature, 340:245-246 (1989), and Fields et al., Trends in Genetics, 10:286-292 (1994), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. The two-hybrid system is a genetic assay for detecting interactions between two proteins or polypeptides. It can be used to identify proteins that bind to a known protein of interest, or to delineate domains or residues critical for an interaction. Variations on this methodology have been developed to clone genes that encode DNA binding proteins, to identify peptides that bind to a protein, and to screen for drugs. The two-hybrid system exploits the ability of a pair of interacting proteins to bring a transcription activation domain into close proximity with a DNA binding domain that binds to an upstream activation sequence (UAS) of a reporter gene, and is generally performed in yeast. The assay requires the construction of two hybrid genes encoding (1) a DNA-binding domain that is fused to a first protein and (2) an activation domain fused to a second protein. The DNA-binding domain targets the first hybrid protein to the UAS of the reporter gene; however, because most proteins lack an activation domain, this DNA-binding hybrid protein does not activate transcription of the reporter gene. The second hybrid protein, which contains the activation domain, cannot by itself activate expression of the reporter gene because it does not bind the UAS. However, when both hybrid proteins are present, the noncovalent interaction of the first and second proteins tethers the activation domain to the UAS, activating transcription of the reporter gene. For example, when the first protein is a GPCR gene product, or fragment thereof, that is known to interact with another protein or nucleic acid, this assay can be used to detect agents that interfere with the binding interaction. Expression of the reporter gene is monitored as different test agents are added to the system. The presence of an inhibitory agent results in lack of a reporter signal.

When the function of the DmGPCR gene product is unknown and no ligands are known to bind the gene product, the yeast two-hybrid assay can also be used to identify proteins that bind to the gene product. In an assay to identify proteins that bind to a DmGPCR receptor, or fragment thereof, a fusion polynucleotide encoding both a DmGPCR receptor (or fragment) and a UAS binding domain (i.e., a first protein) may be used. In addition, a large number of hybrid genes each encoding a different second protein fused to an activation domain are produced and screened in the assay. Typically, the second protein is encoded by one or more members of a total cDNA or genomic DNA fusion library, with each second protein coding region being fused to the activation domain. This system is applicable to a wide variety of proteins, and it is not even necessary to know the identity or function of the second binding protein. The system is highly sensitive and can detect interactions not revealed by other methods; even transient interactions may trigger transcription to produce a stable mRNA that can be repeatedly translated to yield the reporter protein.

Other assays may be used to search for agents that bind to the target protein. One such screening method to identify direct binding of test ligands to a target protein is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,277, incorporated herein by reference. This method relies on the principle that proteins generally exist as a mixture of folded and unfolded states, and continually alternate between the two states. When a test ligand binds to the folded form of a target protein (i.e., when the test ligand is a ligand of the target protein), the target protein molecule bound by the ligand remains in its folded state. Thus, the folded target protein is present to a greater extent in the presence of a test ligand which binds the target protein, than in the absence of a ligand. Binding of the ligand to the target protein can be determined by any method which distinguishes between the folded and unfolded states of the target protein. The function of the target protein need not be known in order for this assay to be performed. Virtually any agent can be assessed by this method as a test ligand, including, but not limited to, metals, polypeptides, proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, polynucleotides and small organic molecules.

Another method for identifying ligands of a target protein is described in Wieboldt et al., Anal. Chem., 69:1683-1691 (1997), incorporated herein by reference. This technique screens combinatorial libraries of 20-30 agents at a time in solution phase for binding to the target protein. Agents that bind to the target protein are separated from other library components by simple membrane washing. The specifically selected molecules that are retained on the filter are subsequently liberated from the target protein and analyzed by HPLC and pneumatically assisted electrospray (ion spray) ionization mass spectroscopy. This procedure selects library components with the greatest affinity for the target protein, and is particularly useful for small molecule libraries.

Other embodiments of the invention comprise using competitive screening assays in which neutralizing antibodies capable of binding a polypeptide of the invention specifically compete with a test compound for binding to the polypeptide. In this manner, the antibodies can be used to detect the presence of any peptide that shares one or more antigenic determinants with DmGPCR. Radiolabeled competitive binding studies are described in A. H. Lin et al. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 1997, vol. 41, no. 10. pp. 2127-2131, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In other embodiments of the invention, the polypeptides of the invention are employed as a research tool for identification, characterization and purification of interacting, regulatory proteins. Appropriate labels are incorporated into the polypeptides of the invention by various methods known in the art and the polypetides are used to capture interacting molecules. For example, molecules are incubated with the labeled polypeptides, washed to removed unbound polypeptides, and the polypeptide complex is quantified. Data obtained using different concentrations of polypeptide are used to calculate values for the number, affinity, and association of polypeptide with the protein complex.

Labeled polypeptides are also useful as reagents for the purification of molecules with which the polypeptide interacts including, but not limited to, inhibitors. In one embodiment of affinity purification, a polypeptide is covalently coupled to a chromatography column. Cells and their membranes are extracted, and various cellular subcomponents are passed over the column. Molecules bind to the column by virtue of their affinity to the polypeptide. The polypeptide-complex is recovered from the column, dissociated and the recovered molecule is subjected to protein sequencing. This amino acid sequence is then used to identify the captured molecule or to design degenerate oligonucleotides for cloning the corresponding gene from an appropriate cDNA library.

Alternatively, compounds may be identified which exhibit similar properties to the ligand for the DmGPCR of the invention, but which are smaller and exhibit a longer half time than the endogenous ligand in a human or animal body. When an organic compound is designed, a molecule according to the invention is used as a “lead” compound. The design of mimetics to known pharmaceutically active compounds is a well known approach in the development of pharmaceuticals based on such “lead” compounds. Mimetic design, synthesis and testing are generally used to avoid randomly screening a large number of molecules for a target property. Furthermore, structural data deriving from the analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences encoded by the DNAs of the present invention are useful to design new drugs, more specific and therefore with a higher pharmacological potency.

Comparison of the protein sequence of the present invention with the sequences present in all the available databases showed a significant homology with the transmembrane portion of G protein coupled receptors. Accordingly, computer modelling can be used to develop a putative tertiary structure of the proteins of the invention based on the available information of the transsembrane domain of other proteins. Thus, novel ligands based on the predicted structure of DmGPCR can be designed.

In a particular embodiment, the novel molecules identified by the screening methods according to the invention are low molecular weight organic molecules, in which case a composition or pharmaceutical composition can be prepared thereof for oral intake, such as in tablets. The compositions, or pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the nucleic acid molecules, vectors, polypeptides, antibodies and compounds identified by the screening methods described herein, can be prepared for any route of administration including, but not limited to, oral, intravenous, cutaneous, subcutaneous, nasal, intramuscular or intraperitoneal. The nature of the carrier or other ingredients will depend on the specific route of administration and particular embodiment of the invention to be administered. Examples of techniques and protocols that are useful in this context are, inter alia, found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16^(th) edition, Osol, A (ed.), 1980, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The dosage of these low molecular weight compounds will depend on the disease state or condition to be treated and other clinical factors such as weight and condition of the human or animal and the route of administration of the compound. For treating human or animals, between approximately 0.5 mg/kg of body weight to 500 mg/kg of body weight of the compound can be administered. Therapy is typically administered at lower dosages and is continued until the desired therapeutic outcome is observed.

Another aspect of the present invention is the use of the DmGPCR nucleotide sequences disclosed herein for identifying homologs of the DmGPCR, in other animals, including but not limited to humans and other mammals, and invertertebrates. Any of the nucleotide sequences disclosed herein, or any portion thereof, can be used, for example, as probes to screen databases or nucleic acid libraries, such as, for example, genomic or cDNA libraries, to identify homologs, using screening procedures well known to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, homologs having at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, and most preferably at least 100% homology with DmGPCR sequences can be identified.

The present compounds and methods, including nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, antibodies, compounds identified by the screening methods described herein, have a variety of pharmaceutical applications and may be used, for example, to treat or prevent unregulated cellular growth, such as cancer cell and tumour growth. In a particular embodiment, the present molecules are used in gene therapy. For a review of gene therapy procedures, see e.g. Anderson, Science, 1992, 256, 808-813, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention also encompasses a method of agonizing (stimulating) or antagonizing a DmGPCR natural binding partner associated activity in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an agonist or antagonist to one of the above disclosed polypeptides in an amount sufficient to effect said agonism or antagonism. One embodiment of the present invention, then, is a method of treating diseases in a mammal with an agonist or antagonist of the protein of the present invention comprises administering the agonist or antagonist to a mammal in an amount sufficient to agonize or antagonize DmGPCR-associated functions.

In an effort to discover novel treatments for diseases, biomedical researchers and chemists have designed, synthesized, and tested molecules that inhibit the function of protein polypeptides. Some small organic molecules form a class of compounds that modulate the function of protein polypeptides. Examples of molecules that have been reported to inhibit the function of protein kinases include, but are not limited to, bis monocyclic, bicyclic or heterocyclic aryl compounds (PCT WO 92/20642, published Nov. 26, 1992 by Maguire et al.), vinylene-azaindole derivatives (PCT WO 94/14808, published Jul. 7, 1994 by Ballinari et al.), 1-cyclopropyl-4-pyridyl-quinolones (U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,992), styryl compounds (U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,999), styryl-substituted pyridyl compounds (U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,606), certain quinazoline derivatives (EP Application No. 0 566 266 A1), seleoindoles and selenides (PCT WO 94/03427, published Feb. 17, 1994 by Denny et al.), tricyclic polyhydroxylic compounds (PCT WO 92/21660, published Dec. 10, 1992 by Dow), and benzylphosphonic acid compounds (PCT WO 91/15495, published Oct. 17, 1991 by Dow et al), all of which are incorporated by reference herein, including any drawings.

Compounds that can traverse cell membranes and are resistant to acid hydrolysis are potentially advantageous as therapeutics as they can become highly bioavailable after being administered orally to patients. However, many of these protein inhibitors only weakly inhibit function. In addition, many inhibit a variety of protein kinases and will therefore cause multiple side-effects as therapeutics for diseases.

Some indolinone compounds, however, form classes of acid resistant and membrane permeable organic molecules. WO 96/22976 (published Aug. 1, 1996 by Ballinari et al.) describes hydrosoluble indolinone compounds that harbor tetralin, naphthalene, quinoline, and indole substituents fused to the oxindole ring. These bicyclic substituents are in turn substituted with polar groups including hydroxylated alkyl, phosphate, and ether substituents. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/702,232, filed Aug. 23, 1996, entitled “Indolinone Combinatorial Libraries and Related Products and Methods for the Treatment of Disease” by Tang et al. and Ser. No. 08/485,323, filed Jun. 7, 1995, entitled “Benzylidene-Z-Indoline Compounds for the Treatment of Disease” by Tang et al. and International Patent Publication WO 96/22976, published Aug. 1, 1996 by Ballinari et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including any drawings, describe indolinone chemical libraries of indolinone compounds harboring other bicyclic moieties as well as monocyclic moieties fused to the oxindole ring. Application Ser. No. 08/702,232, filed Aug. 23, 1996, entitled “Indolinone Combinatorial Libraries and Related Products and Methods for the Treatment of Disease” by Tang et al., Ser. No. 08/485,323, filed Jun. 7, 1995, entitled “Benzylidene-Z-Indoline Compounds for the Treatment of Disease” by Tang et al., and WO 96/22976, published Aug. 1, 1996 by Ballinari et al. teach methods of indolinone synthesis, methods of testing the biological activity of indolinone compounds in cells, and inhibition patterns of indolinone derivatives, both of which are incorporated by reference herein, including any drawings.

Other examples of substances capable of modulating kinase activity include, but are not limited to, tyrphostins, quinazolines, quinoxolines, and quinolines. The quinazolines, tyrphostins, quinolines, and quinoxolines referred to above include well known compounds such as those described in the literature. For example, representative publications describing quinazolines include Barker et al., EPO Publication No. 0 520 722 A1; Jones et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,608; Kabbe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,072; Kaul and Vougioukas, U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,553; Kreighbaum and Comer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,940; Pegg and Wardleworth, EPO Publication No. 0 562 734 A1; Barker et al., Proc. of Am. Assoc. for Cancer Research 32:327 (1991); Bertino, J. R., Cancer Research 3:293-304 (1979); Bertino, J. R., Cancer Research 9(2 part 1):293-304 (1979); Curtin et al., Br. J. Cancer 53:361-368 (1986); Fernandes et al., Cancer Research 43:1117-1123 (1983); Ferris et al. J. Org. Chem. 44(2):173-178; Fry et al., Science 265:1093-1095 (1994); Jackman et al., Cancer Research 51:5579-5586 (1981); Jones et al. J. Med. Chem. 29(6):1114-1118; Lee and Skibo, Biochemistry 26(23):7355-7362 (1987); Lemus et al., J. Org. Chem. 54:3511-3518 (1989); Ley and Seng, Synthesis 1975:415-522 (1975); Maxwell et al., Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 17:189-196 (1991); Mini et al., Cancer Research 45:325-330 (1985); Phillips and Castle, J. Heterocyclic Chem. 17(19):1489-1596 (1980); Reece et al., Cancer Research 47(11):2996-2999 (1977); Sculier et al., Cancer Immunol. and Immunother. 23:A65 (1986); Sikora et al., Cancer Letters 23:289-295 (1984); and Sikora et al., Analytical Biochem. 172:344-355 (1988), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including any drawings.

Quinoxaline is described in Kaul and Vougioukas, U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,553, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any drawings.

Quinolines are described in Dolle et al., J. Med. Chem. 37:2627-2629 (1994); MaGuire, J. Med. Chem. 37:2129-2131 (1994); Burke et al., J. Med. Chem. 36:425432 (1993); and Burke et al. Bio Organic Med. Chem. Letters 2:1771-1774 (1992), all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including any drawings.

Tyrphostins are described in Allen et al., Clin. Exp. Immunol. 91:141-156 (1993); Anafi et al., Blood 82:12:3524-3529 (1993); Baker et al., J. Cell Sci. 102:543-555 (1992); Bilder et al., Amer. Physiol. Soc. pp. 6363-6143:C721-C730 (1991); Brunton et al., Proceedings of Amer. Assoc. Cancer Rsch. 33:558 (1992); Bryckaert et al., Experimental Cell Research 199:255-261 (1992); Dong et al., J. Leukocyte Biology 53:53-60 (1993); Dong et al., J. Immunol. 151(5):2717-2724 (1993); Gazit et al., J. Med. Chem. 32:2344-2352 (1989); Gazit et al., “J. Med. Chem. 36:3556-3564 (1993); Kaur et al., Anti-Cancer Drugs 5:213-222 (1994); Kaur et al., King et al., Biochem. J. 275:413-418 (1991); Kuo et al., Cancer Letters 74:197-202 (1993); Levitzki, A., The FASEB J. 6:3275-3282 (1992); Lyall et al., J. Biol. Chem. 264:14503-14509 (1989); Peterson et al., The Prostate 22:335-345 (1993); Pillemer et al.; Int. J. Cancer 50:80-85 (1992); Posner et al., Molecular Pharmacology 45:673-683 (1993); Rendu et al., Biol. Pharmacology 44(5):881-888 (1992); Sauro and Thomas, Life Sciences 53:371-376 (1993); Sauro and Thomas, J. Pharm. and Experimental Therapeutics 267(3): 119-1125 (1993); Wolbring et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269(36):22470-22472 (1994); and Yoneda et al., Cancer Research 51:4430-4435 (1991); all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including any drawings.

Other compounds that could be used as modulators include oxindolinones such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/702,232 filed Aug. 23, 1996, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including any drawings.

Methods of determining the dosages of compounds to be administered to a patient and modes of administering compounds to an organism are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/702,282, filed Aug. 23, 1996 and International patent publication number WO 96/22976, published Aug. 1, 1996, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including any drawings, figures or tables. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such descriptions are applicable to the present invention and can be easily adapted to it.

The proper dosage depends on various factors such as the type of disease being treated, the particular composition being used and the size and physiological condition of the patient. Therapeutically effective doses for the compounds described herein can be estimated initially from cell culture and animal models. For example, a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating concentration range that initially takes into account the IC50 as determined in cell culture assays. The animal model data can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.

Plasma half-life and biodistribution of the drug and metabolites in the plasma, tumors and major organs can also be determined to facilitate the selection of drugs most appropriate to inhibit a disorder. Such measurements can be carried out. For example, HPLC analysis can be performed on the plasma of animals treated with the drug and the location of radiolabeled compounds can be deter-mined using detection methods such as X-ray, CAT scan and MRI. Compounds that show potent inhibitory activity in the screening assays, but have poor pharm-acokinetic characteristics, can be optimized by altering the chemical structure and retesting. In this regard, compounds displaying good pharmaco-kinetic characteristics can be used as a model.

Toxicity studies can also be carried out by measuring the blood cell composition. For example, toxicity studies can be carried out in a suitable animal model as follows: 1) the compound is administered to mice (an untreated control mouse should also be used); 2) blood samples are periodically obtained via the tail vein from one mouse in each treatment group; and 3) the samples are analyzed for red and white blood cell counts, blood cell composition and the percent of lymphocytes versus polymorphonuclear cells. A comparison of results for each dosing regime with the controls indicates if toxicity is present.

At the termination of each toxicity study, further studies can be carried out by sacrificing the animals (preferably, in accordance with the American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines Report of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. Panel on Euthanasia, Journal of American Veterinary Medical Assoc., 202:229-249, 1993). Representative animals from each treatment group can then be examined by gross necropsy for immediate evidence of metastasis, unusual illness or toxicity. Gross abnormalities in tissue are noted and tissues are examined histologically. Compounds causing a reduction in body weight or blood components are less preferred, as are compounds having an adverse effect on major organs. In general, the greater the adverse effect the less preferred the compound.

For the treatment of cancers the expected daily dose of a hydrophobic pharmaceutical agent is between 1 to 500 mg/day, preferably 1 to 250 mg/day, and most preferably 1 to 50 mg/day. Drugs can be delivered less frequently provided plasma levels of the active moiety are sufficient to maintain therapeutic effectiveness. Plasma levels should reflect the potency of the drug. Generally, the more potent the compound the lower the plasma levels necessary to achieve efficacy.

DmGPCR mRNA transcripts may be found in many tissues, including peripheral blood lymphocytes, spleen, bone marrow, salivary gland, heart, thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, liver, colon, lung, prostate, small intestine, muscle, stomach, placenta and fetal liver. The sequences provided in SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23 may be used to find the full-length clone of an DmGPCR receptor. The clone of the receptor will, as detailed above, enable screening for the endogenous neurotransmitter/hormone which activates the receptor and for compounds with potential utility in treating disorders including cardiovascular disorders, reperfusion restenosis, coronary thrombosis, clotting disorders, unregulated cell growth disorders such as cancer, glaucoma, obesity, metabolic disorders, inflammatory disorders, and CNS disorders.

For example, DmGPCR may be useful in the treatment of respiratory ailments such as asthma, where T cells are implicated by the disease. Contraction of airway smooth muscle is stimulated by thrombin. Cicala et al (1999) Br J Pharmacol 126:478-484. Additionally, in bronchiolitis obliterans, it has been noted that activation of thrombin receptors may be deleterious. Hauck et al.(1999) Am J Physiol 277:L22-L29. Furthermore, mast cells have also been shown to have thrombin receptors. Cirino et al (1996) J Exp Med 183:821-827. DmGPCR may also be useful in remodelling of airway structure s in chronic pulmonary inflammation via stimulation of fibroblast procollagen synthesis. See, e.g., Chambers et al. (1998) Biochem J 333:121-127; Trejo et al. (1996) J Biol Chem 271:21536-21541.

In another example, increased release of sCD40L and expression of CD40L by T cells after activation of thrombin receptors suggests that DmGPCR may be useful in the treatment of unstable angina due to the role of T cells and inflammation. See Aukrust et al. (1999) Circulation 100:614-620.

A further example is the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroiditis. Due to the tissue expression profile of DmGPCR, inhibition of thrombin receptors may be beneficial for these diseases. See, e.g., Morris et al. (1996) Ann Rheum Dis 55:841-843. In addition to T cells, NK cells and monocytes are also critical cell types which contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. See, e.g., Naldini & Carney (1996) Cell Immunol 172:3542; Hoffman & Cooper (1995) Blood Cells Mol Dis 21:156-167; Colotta et al. (1994) Am J Pathol 144:975-985.

Expression of DmGPCR in bone marrow & spleen suggests that it may play a role in the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. See DiCuccio et al. (1996) Exp Hematol 24:914-918.

As another example, DmGPCR may be useful in the treatment of acute and/or traumatic brain injury. Astrocytes have been demonstrated to express thrombin receptors. Activation of thrombin receptors may be involved in astrogliosis following brain injury. Therefore, inhibition of receptor activity may be beneficial for limiting neuroinflammation. Scar formation mediated by astrocytes may also be limited by inhibiting thrombin receptors. See, e.g, Pindon et al. (1998) Eur J Biochem 255:766-774; Ubl & Reiser. (1997) Glia 21:361-369; Grabham & Cunningham (1995) J Neurochem 64:583-591.

DmGPCR receptor activation may mediate neuronal and astrocyte apoptosis and prevention of neurite outgrowth. Inhibition would be beneficial in both chronic and acute brain injury. See, e.g., Donovan et al. (1997) J Neurosci 17:5316-5326; Turgeon et al. (1998) J Neurosci 18:6882-6891; Smith-Swintosky et al. (1997) J Neurochem 69:1890-1896; Gill et al. (1998) Brain Res 797:321-327; Suidan et al. (1996) Semin Thromb Hemost 22:125-133.

The following Table 4 contains the sequences of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention.

TABLE 4 The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR1 <SEQ ID NO. 1> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGCCAACTTAAGCTGGCTGAGCACCATCACCACCACCTCCTCCTCCATCAGCACCAGC CAGCTGCCATTGGTCAGCACAACCAACTGGAGCCTAACGTCGCCGGGAACTACTAGCGCT ATCTTGGCGGATGTGGCTGCATCGGATGAGGATAGGAGCGGCGGGATCATTCACAACCAG TTCGTGCAAATCTTCTTCTACGTCCTGTACGCCACGGTCTTTGTCCTGGGTGTCTTCGGA AATGTCCTGGTTTGCTACGTAGTTCTGAGGAATCGGGCCATGCAGACTGTGACCAATATA TTCATCACGAATCTGGCCCTGTCGGACATATTGCTCTGCGTCCTGGCGGTGCCATTTACT CCGCTTTACACGTTCATGGGTCGCTGGGCCTTCGGCAGGAGTCTGTGCCATCTGGTGTCC TTTGCCCAGGGATGCAGCATCTACATATCCACGCTGACCCTCACCTCGATTGCCATCGAT CGGTACTTCGTTATCATATACCCCTTCCATCCGCGCATGAAGCTCTCCACCTGCATCGGG ATCATAGTGAGCATCTGGGTGATAGCCCTGCTGGCCACCGTTCCCTACGGCATGTACATG AAGATGACCAACGAGCTGGTGAACGGAACGCAGACAGGCAACGAGACCCTGGTGGAGGCC ACTCTAATGCTAAACGGAAGCTTTGTGGCCCAGGGATCAGGATTCATCGAGGCGCCGGAC TCTACCTCGGCCACCCAGGCCTATATGCAGGTGATGACCGCCGGATCAACGGGACCGGAG ATGCCCTATGTGCGGGTGTACTGCGAGGAGAACTGGCCATCGGAGCAGTACCGGAAGGTG TTCGGTGCCATCACAACCACTCTGCAGTTTGTGCTGCCCTTCTTCATCATCTCGATTTGC TACGTGTGGATATCGGTGAAGCTAAACCAGCGGGCCAGGGCCAAGCCGGGATCGAAATCC TCGAGACGGGAGGAGGCGGATCGGGATCGCAAGAAGCGCACCAACCGCATGCTCATCGCC ATGGTGGCGGTATTCGGACTCAGCTGGCTGCCCATCAATGTGGTCAACATATTCGATGAC TTCGATGACAAGTCCAACGAGTGGCGCTTCTACATCCTATTCTTCTTTGTGGCCCACTCT ATTGCCATGAGCTCCACCTGCTACAATCCCTTCCTGTACGCCTGGCTGAACGAGAACTTC CGCAAGGAGTTCAAGCACGTGCTGCCCTGCTTTAATCCCTCGAACAACAACATCATCAAC ATCACCAGGGGCTATAATCGGAGTGATCGGAACACCTGTGGTCCGCGACTGCATCATGGC AAGGGGGATGGTGGCATGGGCGGTGGCAGTCTGGACGCCGACGACCAGGACGAGAACGGC ATCACCCAGGAGACCTGTCTGCCCAAGGAGAAGCTGCTGATTATCCCCAGGGAGCCGACT TACGGCAATGGCACGGGTGCCGTGTCGCCAATCCTTAGCGGGCGCGGCATTAACGCCGCC CTGGTGCACGGTGGCGACCATCAGATGCACCAGCTGCAGCCGTCACACCATCAACAGGTG GAGCTGACGAGGCGAATCCGCCGGCGGACAGACGAGACGGACGGGGATTACCTGGACTCC GGCGACGAGCAGACCGTGGAGGTGCGCTTCAGCGAGACGCCGTTCGTCAGCACGGATAAT ACCACCGGGATCAGCATTCTGGAGACGAGTACGAGTCACTGCCAGGACTCGGATGTGATG GTCGAGCTGGGCGAGGCAATCGGCGCCGGTGGTGGGGCAGAGCTGGGGAGGCGAATCAAC TGA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 2> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1: MANLSWLSTITTTSSSISTSQLPLVSTTNWSLTSPGTTSAILADVAASDEDRSGGIIHNQ FVQIFFYVLYATVFVLGVFGNVLVCYVVLRNRAMQTVTNIFITNLALSDILLCVLAVPFT PLYTFMGRWAFGRSLCHLVSFAQGCSIYTSTLTLTSIAIDRYFVIIYPFHPRMKLSTCIG IIVSIWVIALLATVPYGMYMKMTNELVNGTQTGNETLVEATLMLNGSFVAQGSGFIEAPD STSATQAYMQVMTAGSTGPEMPYVRVYCEENWPSEQYRKVFGAITTTLQFVLPFFIISIC YVWISVKLNQRARAKPGSKSSRREEADRDRKKRTNRMLIAMVAVFGLSWLPINVVNIFDD FDDKSNEWRFYILFFFVAHSIAMSSTCYNPFLYAWLNENFRKEFKHVLPCFNPSNNNIIN ITRGYNRSDRNTCGPRLHHGKGDGGMGGGSLDADDQDENGITQETCLPKEKLLIIPREPT YGNGTGAVSPILSGRGINAALVHGGDHQMHQLQPSHHQQVELTRRIRRRTDETDGDYLDS GDEQTVEVRFSETPFVSTDNTTGISILETSTSHCQDSDVMVELGEAIGAGGGAELGRRIN The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR2a <SEQ ID NO. 3> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGAATCAGACGGAGCCCGCCCAGCTGGCAGATGGGGAGCATCTGAGTGG ATACGCCAGCAGCAGCAACAGCGTGCGCTATCTGGACGACCGGCATCCGC TGGACTACCTTGACCTGGGCACGGTGCACGCCCTCAACACCACTGCCATC AACACCTCGGATCTGAATGAGACTGGGAGCAGGCCGCTGGACCCGGTGCT TATCGATAGGTTCCTGAGCAACAGGGCGGTGGACAGCCCCTGGTACCACA TGCTCATCAGCATGTACGGCGTGCTAATCGTCTTCGGCGCCCTAGGCAAC ACCCTGGTTGTTATAGCCGTCATCCGGAAGCCCATCATGCGCACTGCTCG CAATCTGTTCATCCTCAACCTGGCCATATCGGACCTACTTTTATGCCTAG TCACCATGCCGCTGACCTTGATGGAGATCCTGTCCAAGTACTGGCCCTAC GGCTCCTGCTCCATCCTGTGCAAAACGATTGCCATGCTGCAGGCACTTTG TATTTTCGTGTCGACAATATCCATAACGGCCATTGCCTTCGACAGATATC AGGTGATCGTGTACCCCACGCGGGACAGCCTGCAGTTCGTGGGCGCGGTG ACGATCCTGGCGGGGATCTGGGCACTGGCACTGCTGCTGGCCTCGCCGCT GTTCGTCTACAAGGAGCTGATCAACACAGACACGCCGGCACTCCTGCAGC AGATCGGCCTGCAGGACACGATCCCGTACTGCATTGAGGACTGGCCAAGT CGCAACGGGCGCTTCTACTACTCGATCTTCTCGCTGTGCGTACAATACCT GGTGCCCATCCTGATCGTCTCGGTGGCATACTTCGGGATCTACAACAAGC TGAAGAGCCGCATCACCGTGGTGGCTGTGCAGGCGTCCTCCGCTCAGCGG AAGGTGGAGCGGGGGCGGCGGATGAAGCGCACCAACTGCCTACTGATCAG CATCGCCATCATCTTTGGCGTTTCTTGGCTGCCGCTGAACTTTTTCAACC TGTACGCGGACATGGAGCGCTCGCCGGTCACTCAGAGCATGCTAGTCCGC TACGCCATCTGCCACATGATCGGCATGAGCTCCGCCTGCTCCAACCCGTT GCTCTACGGCTGGCTCAACGACAACTTCCGTAAAGAATTTCAAGAACTGC TCTGCCGTTGCTCAGACACTAATGTTGCTCTTAACGGTCACACGACAGGC TGCAACGTCCAGGCGGCGGCGCGCAAGCGTCGCAAGTTGGGCGCCGAACT CTCCAAAGGCGAACTCAAGCTGCTGGGGCCAGGCGGCGCCCAGAGCGGTA CCGCCGGCGGGGAAGGCGGTCTGGCGGCCACCGACTTCATGACCGGCCAC CACGAGGGCGGACTGCGCAGCGCCATAACCGAGTCGGTGGCCCTCACGGA CCACAACCCCGTGCCCTCGGAGGTCACCAAGCTGATGCCGCGGTA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 4> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3: MENTTMLANISLNATRNEENITSFFTDEEWLAINGTLPWIVGFFFGVIAITGFFGNLLVILVVVFNNNMRS TTNLMIVNLAAADLMFVILCIPFTATDYMYYWPYGRFWCRSVQYLIVVTAFASIYTLVLMSIDRFLAVVH PIRSRMMRTENITLIAIVTLWIVVLVVSVPVAFTHDVVVDYDAKKNITYGMCTFTTNDFLGPRTYQVTFFI SSYLLPLMIISGLYMRMIMRLWRQGTGVRNSKESQRGRKRVTRLVVVVVIAFASLWLPVQLILLLKSLDVI ETNTLTKLVIQVTAQTLAYSSSCINPLLYAFLSENFRKAFYKAVNCSSRYQNYTSDLPPPRKTSCARTSTT GL The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR2b <SEQ ID NO. 5> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGAATCAGACGGAGCCCGCCCAGCTGGCAGATGGGGAGCATCTGAGTGG ATACGCCAGCAGCAGCAACAGCGTGCGCTATCTGGACGACCGGCATCCGC TGGACTACCTTGACCTGGGCACGGTGCACGCCCTCAACACCACTGCCATC AACACCTCGGATCTGAATGAGACTGGGAGCAGGCCGCTGGACCCGGTGCT TATCGATAGGTTCCTGAGCAACAGGGCGGTGGACAGCCCCTGGTACCACA TGCTCATCAGCATGTACGGCGTGCTAATCGTCTTCGGCGCCCTAGGCAAC ACCCTGGTTGTTATAGCCGTCATCCGGAAGCCCATCATGCGCACTGCTCG CAATCTGTTCATCCTCAACCTGGCCATATCGGACCTACTTTTATGCCTAG TCACCATGCCGCTGACCTTGATGGAGATCCTGTCCAAGTACTGGCCCTAC GGCTCCTGCTCCATCCTGTGCAAAACGATTGCCATGCTGCAGGCACTTTG TATTTTCGTGTCGACAATATCCATAACGGCCATTGCCTTCGACAGATATC AGGTGATCGTGTACCCCACGCGGGACAGCCTGCAGTTCGTGGGCGCGGTG ACGATCCTGGCGGGGATCTGGGCACTGGCACTGCTGCTGGCCTCGCCGCT GTTCGTCTACAAGGAGCTGATCAACACAGACACGCCGGCACTCCTGCAGC AGATCGGCCTGCAGGACACGATCCCGTACTGCATTGAGGACTGGCCAAGT CGCAACGGGCGCTTCTACTACTCGATCTTCTCGCTGTGCGTACAATACCT GGTGCCCATCCTGATCGTCTCGGTGGCATACTTCGGGATCTACAACAAGC TGAAGAGCCGCATCACCGTGGTGGCTGTGCAGGCGTCCTCCGCTCAGCGG AAGGTGGAGCGGGGGCGGCGGATGAAGCGCACCAACTGCCTACTGATCAG CATCGCCATCATCTTTGGCGTTTCTTGGCTGCCGCTGAACTTTTTCAACC TGTACGCGGACATGGAGCGCTCGCCGGTCACTCAGAGCATGCTAGTCCGC TACGCCATCTGCCACATGATCGGCATGAGCTCCGCCTGCTCCAACCCGTT GCTCTACGGCTGGCTCAACGACAACTTCCGCTGCAACGTCCAGGCGGCGG CGCGCAAGCGTCGCAAGTTGGGCGCCGAACTCTCCAAAGGCGAACTCAAG CTGCTGGGGCCAGGCGGCGCCCAGAGCGGTACCGCCGGCGGGGAAGGCGG TCTGGCGGCCACCGACTTCATGACCGGCCACCACGAGGGCGGACTGCGCA GCGCCATAACCGAGTCGGTGGCCCTCACGGACCACAACCCCGTGCCCTCG GAGGTCACCAAGCTGATGCCGCGGTA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 6> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 5: MNQTEPAQLADGEHLSGYASSSNSVRYLDDRHPLDYLDLGTVHALNTTAINTSDLNETGSRPLDPVLIDRF LSNRAVDSPWYHMLISMYGVLIVFGALGNTLVVIAVIRKPIMRTARNLFILNLAISDLLLCLVTMPLTLME ILSKYWPYGSCSILCKTIAMLQALCIFVSTISITAIAFDRYQVIVYPTRDSLQFVGAVTILAGIWALALLL ASPLFVYKELINTDTPALLQQIGLQDTIPYCIEDWPSRNGRFYYSIFSLCVQYLVPILIVSVAYFGIYNKL KSRITVVAVQASSAQRKVERGRRMKRTNCLLISIAIIFGVSWLPLNFFNLYADMERSPVTQSMLVRYAICH MIGMSSACSNPLLYGWLNDNFRCNVQAAARKRRKLGAELSKGELKLLGPGGAQSGTAGGEGGLAATDFMTG HHEGGLRSAITESVALTDHNPVPSEVTKLMPR The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR4 <SEQ ID NO. 7> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGAGAACACCACAATGCTGGCTAATATTAGCCTAAATGCAACCAGAAA TGAGGAGAATATCACCTCATTCTTCACCGACGAAGAGTGGCTGGCCATCA ATGGCACTTTGCCGTGGATAGTGGGATTCTTCTTCGGCGTCATCGCCATC ACGGGATTCTTCGGCAACCTGCTGGTCATCCTGGTGGTGGTCTTCAACAA CAACATGCGCTCCACCACCAACCTGATGATTGTCAATCTGGCTGCCGCTG ATCTGATGTTCGTAATCCTCTGCATTCCCTTCACGGCCACCGATTACATG GTGTACTACTGGCCATATGGAAGGTTCTGGTGCCGCAGTGTCCAGTACCT GATTGTGGTGACCGCCTTCGCCTCCATCTACACGCTGGTGCTAATGTCCA TCGATCGGTTCCTGGCGGTGGTTCATCCCATTCGCTCGCGGATGATGAGG ACGGAGAACATTACCCTGATTGCCATCGTGACTCTGTGGATCGTGGTGCT GGTCGTTTCGGTGCCAGTGGCCTTCACCCACGACGTGGTGGTGGACTACG ATGCAAAGAAGAACATCACCTACGGCATGTGCACCTTCACGACGAACGAC TTCCTTGGTCCGCGCACCTACCAGGTCACCTTCTTCATCAGCTCCTACCT GCTGCCCCTGATGATCATCAGCGGTCTCTACATGCGCATGATCATGCGGC TCTGGCGCCAGGGAACCGGCGTCCGCATGTCCAAGGAGTCGCAGCGCGGT CGCAAGCGGGTCACCCGACTCGTCGTCGTGGTGGTCATCGCCTTCGCCTC GCTCTGGCTGCCTGTCCAGCTCATCCTGCTGCTCAAGTCACTGGATGTCA TCGAGACGAACACCCTCACCAAGCTAGTCATCCAGGTCACCGCCCAGACT CTGGCCTACAGCAGCTCGTGTATCAATCCGCTGCTCTACGCCTTCCTCTC CGAGAATTTCCGGAAGGCCTTCTATAAGGCCGTTAACTGCTCCTCTCGAT ACCAGAACTACACATCTGATTTGCCGCCGCCGCGCAAGACGTCCTGTGCC AGGACCTCCACCACTGGACTCTA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 8> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 7: MENTTMLANISLNATRNEENITSFFTDEEWLAINGTLPWIVGFFFGVIAITGFFGNLLVILVVVFNNMRS TTNLMIVNLAADLMFVILCIPFTATDYMVYYWPYGRFWCRSVQYLIVVTAFASIYTLVLMSIDRFLAVVH PIRSRMMRTENITLIAIVTLWIVVLVVSVPVAFTHDVVVDYDAKKNITYGMCTFTTNDFLGPRTYQVTFFI SSYLLPLMIISGLYMRMIMRLWRQGTGVRMSKESQRGRKRVTRLVVVVVIAFASLWLPVQLILLLKSLDVI ETNTLTKLVIQVTAQTLAYSSSCINPLLYAFLSENFRKAFYKAVNCSSRYQNYTSDLPPPRKTSCARTSTT GL The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR5a <SEQ ID NO. 9> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGAGAATCGCAGTGACTTCGAGGCGGATGACTACGGCGACATCAGTTG GAGCAATTGGAGCAACTGGAGCACCCCCGCCGGCGTCCTTTTCTCGGCCA TGAGCAGCGTGCTCTCGGCCAGCAACCATACGCCCCTGCCGGACTTTGGC CAGGAGCTCGCCCTATCCACCAGCTCCTTCAATCACAGCCAGACCCTATC CACCGACCAGCCCGCCGTCGGGGACGTGGAAGACGCGGCCGAGGATGCGG CGGCGTCCATGGAGACGGGCTCGTTTGCATTTGTGGTCCCGTGGTGGCGT CAGGTGCTCTGGAGCATCCTCTTCGGCGGCATGGTCATTGTGGCGACGGG CGGTAACCTGATTGTTGTCTGGATCGTGATGACGACCAAGCGGATGCGGA CGGTAACCAACTATTTCATAGTGAATCTCTCCATCGCGGACGCCATGGTG TCCAGCCTAAACGTCACCTTCAACTACTACTATATGCTGGATAGCGACTG GCCCTTCGGCGAGTTCTACTGCAAGTTGTCCCAGTTCATCGCGATGCTAA GCATCTGCGCCTCAGTGTTCACCCTAATGGCCATCTCCATCGACAGATAC GTGGCCATCATCCGGCCACTGCAGCCGCGGATGAGCAAGCGGTGCAACCT GGCCATCGCGGCGGTCATCTGGCTGGCCTCCACGCTCATCTCCTGCCCCA TGATGATCATCTACCGCACGGAGGAGGTGCCGGTCCGCGGGCTCAGCAAC CGCACGGTCTGCTACCCGGAGTGGCCCGATGGGCCCACCAATCACTCCAC GATGGAGTCCCTCTACAACATCCTCATCATCATYCTAACCTACTTCCTGC CCATCGTCTCCATGACGGTCACCTACTCGCGCGTGGGCATCGAGCTCTGG GGATCCAAGACCATCGGCGAGTGCACGCCCCGCCAGGTGGARAAYGTGCG GAGTAAGCGAAGGGTGGTGAAGATGATGATTGTGGTCGTCCTGATATTCG CCATCTGCTGGCTGCCGTTCCACAGCTACTTCATAATCACATCCTGCTAC CCGGCCATCACGGAGGCGCCCTTCATCCAGGAACTCTACCTGGCCATCTA CTGGCTGGCCATGAGCAACTCCATGTACAATCCCATTATATACTGCTGGA TGAATTCGCGCTTTCGCTATGGTTTCAAGATGGTCTTCCGCTGGTGCCTG TTTGTGCGCGTGGGCACTGAACCCTTTAGTCGGCGGGAGAACCTGACATC CCGGTACTCCTGCTCCGGTTCCCCGGATCACAATCGCATCAAGCGCAATG ATACCCAGAAATCGATACTTTATACCTGTCCCAGCTCACCCAAGTCGCAT CGAATTTCGCACAGCGGAACAGGTCGCAGTGCGACGCTGCGGAACAGTCT GCCGGCGGAGTCACTGTCGTCCGGCGGATCTGGTGGTGGAGGGCACAGGA AACGGTTGTCCTACCAGCAGGAAATGCAGCAGCGTTGGTCAGGACCCAAT AGTGCCACCGCAGTGACCAATTCCAGCAGTACGGCCAACACCACCCAACT GCTCTCCTG The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 10> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 9: MENRSDFEADDYGDISWSNWSNWSTPAGVLFSANSSVLSASMHTPLPDFGQELALSTSSFNHSQTLSTDQP AVGDVEDAAEDAAASMETGSFAFVVPWWRQVLWSILFGGMVIVATGGNLIVVWIVMTTKRMRTVTNYFIVN LSIADAMVSSLNVTFNYYYMLDSDWPFGEFYCKLSQFIAMLSICASVFTLMAISIDRYVAIIRPLQPRMSK RCNLAIAAVIWLASTLISCPMMIIYRTEEVPVRGLSNRTVCYPEWPDGPTNHSTMESLYNILIIILTYFLP IVSMTVTYSRVGIELWGSKTIGECTPRQVENVRSKRRVVKMMIVVVLIFAICWLPFHSYFIITSCYPAITE APFIQELYLAIYWLAMSNSMYNPIIYCWMNSRFRYGFKMVFRWCLFVRVGTEPFSRRENLTSRYSCSGSPD HNRIKRNDTQKSILYTCPSSPKSHRISHSGTGRSATLRNSLPAESLSSGGSGGGGHRKRLSYQQEMQQRWS GPNSATAVTNSSSTANTTQLLS The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR5b <SEQ ID NO. 11> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGAGAATCGCAGTGACTTCGAGGCGGATGACTACGGCGACATCAGTTG GAGCAATTGGAGCAATTGGAGCAACTGGAGCACCCCCGCCGGCGTCCTTT TCTCGGCCATGAGCAGCGTGCTCTCGGCCAGCAACCATACGCCTCTGCCG GACTTTGGCCAGGAGCTCGCCCTATCCACCAGCTCCTTCAATCACAGCCA GACCCTATCCACCGACCTGCCCGCCGTCGGGGACGTGGAAGACGCGGCCG AGGATGCGGCGGCGTCCATGGAGACGGGCTCGTTTGCATTTGTGGTCCCG TGGTGGCGTCAGGTGCTCTGGAGCATCCTCTTCGGCGGCATGGTCATTGT GGCGACGGGCGGTAACCTGATTGTTGTCTGGATCGTGATGACGACCAAGC GGATGCGGACGGTAACCAACTATTTCATAGTAAATCTCTCCATCGCGGAC GCCATGGTGTCCAGCCTGAACGTCACCTTCAACTACTACTACATGCTGGA TAGCGACTGGCCCTTCGGCGAGTTCTACTGCAAGTTGTCCCAGTTCATCG CGATGCTAAGCATCTGCGCCTCAGTGTTCACCCTAATGGCCATCTCCATC GACAGATACGTGGCCATCATCCGGCCACTGCAGCCGCGGATGAGCAAGCG GTGCAACCTGGCCATCGCGGCGGTCATCTGGCTGGCCTCCACGCTCATCT CCTGCCCCATGATGATCATCTACCGCACGGAGGAGGTGCCGGTCCGCGGG CTCAGCAACCGCACGGTCTGCTACCCGGAGTGGCCCGATGGGGCCACCAA TCACTCCACGATGGAGTCCCTCTACAACATCCTCATCATCATTCTAACCT ACTTCCTGCCCATCGTCTCCATGACGGTCACCTACTCGCGCGTGGGCATC GAGCTCTGGGGATCCAAGACCATCGGCGAGTGCACGCCCCGCCAGGTGGA GAATGTGCGGAGTAAGCGAAGGGTGGTGAAGATGATGATTGTGGTCGTCC TGATATTCGCCATCTGCTGGCTGCCGTTCCACAGCTACTTCATAATCACA TCCTGCTACCCGGCCATCACGGAGGCGCCCTTCATCCAGGAACTTTACCT GGCCATCTACTGGCTGGCCATGAGCAACTCCATGTACAATCCCATTATAT ACTGCTGGATGAATTCGCGCTTTCGCTATGGTTTCAAGATGGTCTTCCGC TGGTGCCTGTTTGTGCGCGTGGGCACTGAACCCTTTAGTCGGCGGGAGAA CCTGACATCCCGGTACTCCTGCTCCGGTTCCCCGGATCACAATCGCATCA AGCGCAATGATACCCAGAAATCGATACTTTATACCTGTCCCAGCTCACCC AAGTCGCATCGAATTTCGCACAGCGGAACAGGTCGCAGTGCGACGCTGAG GAACAGTCTGCCGGCGGAGTCATTGTCGTCCGGTGGATCTGGAGGTGGAG GACACAGGAAACGGTTGTCCTACCAGCAGGAAATGCAGCAGCGGTGGTCA GGACCCAATAGTGCCACCGCAGTGACCAATTCCAGCAGTACGGCCAACAC CACCCAACTGCTCTCCTG The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 12> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 11: MENRSDFEADDYGDISWSNWSNWSNWSTPAGVLFSAMSSVLSASNHTPLPDFGQELALSTSSFNHSQTLST DLPAVGDVEDAAEDAAASMETGSFAFVVPWWRQVLWSILFGGMVIVATGGNLIVVWIVMTTKRMRTVTNYF IVNLSIADAMVSSLNVTFNYYYMLDSDWPFGEFYCKLSQFIAMLSICASVFTLMAISIDRYVAIIRPLQPR MSKRCNLAIAAVIWLASTLISCPMMIIYRTEEVPVRGLSNRTVCYPEWPDGPTNHSTMESLYNILIIILTY FLPIVSMTVTYSRVGIELWGSKTIGECTPRQVENVRSKRRVVKMMIVVVLIFAICWLPFHSYFIITSCYPA ITEAPFIQELYLAIYWLAMSNSMYNPIIYCWMNSRFRYGFKMVFRWCLFVRVGTEPFSRRENLTSRYSCSG SPDHNRIKRNDTQKSILYTCPSSPKSHRISHSGTGRSATLRNSLPAESLSSGGSGGGGHRKRLSYQQEMQQ RWSGPNSATAVTNSSSTANTTQLLS The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR6aL <SEQ ID NO. 13> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGAGCACCACAATAGCCATCTGTTGCCTGGTGGCAGCGAGAAGATGTA CTACATAGCTCACCAGCAGCCGATGCTGCGGAACGAGGATGATAACTACC AGGAGGGGTACTTCATCAGGCCGGACCCTGCATCCTTACTTTACAATACC ACCGCACTGCCAGCGGACGATGAAGGGTCCAACTATGGATATGGCTCCAC CACAACGCTCAGTGGCCTCCAGTTCGAGACCTATAATATCACTGTGATGA TGAACTTTAGCTGTGACGACTATGACCTTCTATCGGAGGACATGTGGTCT AGTGCCTACTTTAAGATCATCGTCTACATGCTCTACATTCCCATCTTTAT CTTCGCCCTGATCGGCAACGGAACGGTCTGCTATATCGTCTATTCCACAC CTCGCATGCGCACGGTCACCAATTACTTTATAGCCAGCTTGGCCATCGGC GACATCCTGATGTCCTTCTTCTGCGTTCCGTCGTCCTTCATCTCGCTGTT CATCCTGAACTACTGGCCTTTTGGCCTGGCCCTCTGTCACTTTGTGAACT ACTCGCAGGCGGTCTCAGTTCTGGTCAGCGCCTATACTTTGGTGGCAATT AGCATTGACCGCTACATAGCCATTATGTGGCCATTAAAGCCACGCATCAC AAAACGCTATGCCACCTTCATCATCGCCGGCGTTTGGTTTATTGCACTTG CCACCGCACTTCCCATACCCATCGTCTCTGGACTCGACATCCCAATGTCG CCGTGGCACACGAAATGCGAGAAATACATTTGCCGCGAAATGTGGCCGTC GCGGACGCAGGAGTACTACTACACCCTGTCCCTCTTCGCGCTGCAGTTCG TCGTGCCGCTGGGCGTGCTCATCTTCACCTACGCCCGGATCACCATTCGC GTCTGGGCGAAACGACCGCCAGGCGAGGCGGAAACCAACCGCGACCAGCG GATGGCACGCTCCAAACGGAAGATGGTCAAAATGATGCTGACGGTTGTGA TTGTGTTCACCTGCTGTTGGCTGCCCTTCAATATTTTGCAGCTTTTACTG AACGACGAGGAGTTCGCCCACTGGGATCCTCTGCCGTATGTATGGTTCGC GTTTCACTGGCTGGCCATGTCGCACTGCTGCTACAATCCGATCATCTACT GCTACATGAACGCCCGTTTCAGGAGCGGATTCGTCCAGCTGATGCACCGT ATGCCCGGCCTGCGTCGCTGGTGCTGCCTGCGGAGCGTCGGTGATCGCAT GAACGCAACTTCCGGAACGGGTCCAGCACTTCCTCTCAATCGAATGAACA CATCCACCACCTACATCAGCGCTCGTCGAAAGCCACGAGCGACATCTTTG CGAGCGAACCCATTATCATGCGGCGAGACGTCACCACTGCGGTA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 14> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 13: MEHHNSHLLPGGSEKMYYIAHQQPMLRNEDDNYQEGYFIRPDPASLLYNTTALPADDEGSNYGYGSTTTLS GLQFETYNITVMMNFSCDDYDLLSEDMWSSAYFKIIVYMLYIPIFIFALIGNGTVCYIVYSTPRMRTVTNY FIASLAIGDILMSFFCVPSSFISLFILNYWPFGLALCHFVNYSQAVSVLVSAYTLVAISIDRYIAIMWPLK PRITKRYATFIIAGVWFIALATALPIPIVSGLDIPMSPWHTKCEKYICREMWPSRTQEYYYTLSLFALQFV VPLGVLIFTYARITIRVWAKRPPGEAETNRDQRMARSKRKMVKMMLTVVIVFTCCWLPFNILQLLLNDEEF AHWDPLPYVWFAFHWLAMSHCCYNPIIYCYMNARFRSGFVQLMHRMPGLRRWCCLRSVGDRMNATSGTGPA LPLNRMNTSTTYISARRKPRATSLRANPLSCGETSPLR The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR6bL <SEQ ID NO. 15> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGAGCACCACAATAGCCATCTGTTGCCTGGTGGCAGCGAGAAGATGTA CTACATAGCTCACCAGCAGCCGATGCTGCGGAACGAGGATGATAACTACC AGGAGGGGTACTTCATCAGGCCGGACCCTGCATCCTTACTTTACAATACC ACCGCACTGCCAGCGGACGATGAAGGGTCCAACTATGGATATGGCTCCAC CACAACGCTCAGTGGCCTCCAGTTCGAGACCTATAATATCACTGTGATGA TGAACTTTAGCTGTGACGACTATGACCTTCTATCGGAGGACATGTGGTCT AGTGCCTACTTTAAGATCATCGTCTACATGCTCTACATTCCCATCTTTAT CTTCGCCCTGATCGGCAACGGAACGGTCTGCTATATCGTCTATTCCACAC CTCGCATGCGCACGGTCACCAATTACTTTATAGCCAGCTTGGCCATCGGC GACATCCTGATGTCCTTCTTCTGCGTTCCGTCGTCCTTCATCTCGCTGTT CATCCTGAACTACTGGCCTTTTGGCCTGGCCCTCTGTCACTTTGTGAACT ACTCGCAGGCGGTCTCAGTTCTGGTCAGCGCCTATACTTTGGTGGCAATT AGCATTGACCGCTACATAGCCATTATGTGGCCATTAAAGCCACGCATCAC AAAACGCTATGCCACCTTCATCATCGCCGGCGTTTGGTTTATTGCACTTG CCACCGCACTTCCCATACCCATCGTCTCTGGACTCGACATCCCAATGTCG CCGTGGCACACGAAATGCGAGAAATACATTTGCCGCGAAATGTGGCCGTC GCGGACGCAGGAGTACTACTACACCCTGTCCCTCTTCGCGCTGCAGTTCG TCGTGCCGCTGGGCGTGCTCATCTTCACCTACGCCCGGATCACCATTCGC GTCTGGGCGAAACGACCGCCAGGCGAGGCGGAAACCAACCGCGACCAGCG GATGGCACGCTCCAAACGGAAGATGGTCAAAATGATGCTGACGGTTGTGA TTGTGTTCACCTGCTGTTGGCTGCCCTTCAATATTTTGCAGCTTTTACTG AACGACGAGGAGTTCGCCCACTGGGATCCTCTGCCGTATGTGTGGTTCGC GTTTCACTGGCTGGCCATGTCGCACTGCTGCTACAATCCGATCATCTACT GCTACATGAACGCCCGTTTCAGGAGCGGATTCGTCCAGCTGATGCACCGT ATGCCCGGCCTGCGTCGCTGGTGCTGCCTGCGGAGCGTCGGTGATCGCAT GAACGCAACTTCCGGTGAGATGACTACGAAGTACCATCGCCATGTCGGCG ATGCCCTATTCCGGAAACCCAAAATATGCATTAGGAACGGGTCCAGCACT TCCTCTCAATCGAATGAACACATCCACCAGCTACATCAGCGCTCGTCGAA AGCCACGAGCGACATCTTTGCGAGCGAACCCATTATCATGCGGCGAGACG TCACCACTGCGGTAGCTGTCATATCAAAAAATAAAACTGATTCACCGGTG CGCCGATCGGGAAGCTCAGGTGGAACAGAAGCAAACATAAGAAGCACCGA GTTTTG The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 16> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 15: MEHHNSHLLPGGSEKMYYIAHQQPMLRNEDDNYQEGYFIRPDPASLLYNTTALPADDEGSNYGYGSTTTLS GLQFETYNITVMMNFSCDDYDLLSEDMWSSAYFKIIVYMLYIPIFIFALIGNGTVCYIVYSTPRMRTVTNY FIASLAIGDILMSFFCVPSSFISLFILNYWPFGLALCHFVNYSQAVSVLVSAYTLVAISIDRYIAIMWPLK PRITKRYATFIIAGVWFIALATALPIPIVSGLDIPMSPWHTKCEKYICREMWPSRTQEYYYTLSLFALQFV VPLGVLIFTYARITIRVWAKRPPGEAETNRDQRMARSKRKMVKMMLTVVIVFTCCWLPFNILQLLLNDEEF AHWDPLPYVWFAFHWLAMSHCCYNPIIYCYMNARFRSGFVQLMHRMPGLRRWCCLRSVGDRMNATSGEMTT KYHRHVGDALFRKPKICIRNGSSTSSQSNEHIHHLHQRSSKATSDIFASEPIIMRRDVTTAVAVISKNKTD SPVRRSGSSGGTEANIRSTEF The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR7 <SEQ ID NO. 17> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGGCAATGGACTTAATCGAGCAGGAGTCCCGCCTGGAATTCCTGCCCGG AGCCGAGGAGGAAGCAGAATTTGAGCGTCTATACGCGGCTCCCGCTGAGA TTGTGGCCCTGTTGTCCATTTTCTATGGGGGAATCAGTATCGTGGCCGTC ATTGGCAACACTTTGGTCATCTGGGTGGTGGCCACGACCAGGCAAATGCG GACCGTGACAAATATGTATATCGCTAATTTGGCTTTTGCCGATGTGATTA TTGGCCTCTTCTGCATACCATTTCAGTTCCAGGCTGCCCTGCTGCAGAGT TGGAACCTGCCGTGGTTCATGTGCAGCTTCTGCCCCTTCGTCCAGGCCCT GAGTGTAAATGTCTCGGTATTCACGCTGACCGCCATTGCAATCGATCGGC ATAGGGCCATCATTAATCCACTTAGGGCACGTCCCACCAAGTTCGTATCG AAGTTCATAATTGGTGGAATTTGGATGCTGGCCCTGCTATTTGCGGTGCC CTTTGCCATTGCCTTTCGTGTGGAGGAGTTGACCGAAAGATTTCGCGAGA ACAATGAGACCTACAATGTGACGCGGCCATTCTGCATGAACAAGAACCTA TCCGATGATCAATTGCAATCCTTTCGCTACACCCTGGTTTTTGTGCAGTA TCTGGTTCCATTCTGTGTCATCAGCTTTGTCTACATCCAGATGGCGGTAC GATTGTGGGGCACACGTGCTCCTGGTAACGCACAGGATTCACGGGACATA ACGCTGTTGAAAAACAAGAAGAAGGTCATCAAAATGCTGATTATCGTGGT CATTATCTTTGGACTCTGCTGGCTGCCACTGCAGCTCTATAATATTCTGT ATGTCACGATACCGGAAATCAACGACTACCACTTCATTAGCATCGTCTGG TTTTGCTGCGATTGGCTGGCCATGAGCAATAGCTGCTACAATCCCTTTAT TTATGGCATCTACAATGAAAAATTTAAGCGGGAATTCAACAAGCGATTTG CGGCCTGTTTCTGCAAGTTCAAGACGAGCATGGACGCCCACGAAAGGACC TTTTCGATGCACACCCGCGCCAGCTCCATAAGGTCAACCTACGCCAACTC CTCGATGCGAATCCGGAGTAATCTCTTTGGTCCGGCGCGTGGTGGTGTCA ACAATGGGAAGCCGGGCTTGCATATGCCGCGGGTGCATGGATCCGGTGCT AACAGCGGCATTTACAACGGAAGTAGTGGGCAGAACAACAATGTCAATGG CCAACATCATCAGCATCAAAGCGTGGTTACCTTTGCGGCCACTCCGGGTG TTTCGGCACCAGGTGTTGGCGTTGCAATGCCGCCGTGGCGGCGAAACAAC TTCAAACCTCTGCATCCGAACGTAATCGAATGCGAGGACGACGTGGCACT CATGGAGCTGCCATCAACCACGCCCCCCAGCGAGGAGTTGGCATCCGGGG CCGGAGTCCAGTTGGCCCTGCTAAGCAGGGAGAGCTCCAGCTGCATTTGC GAACAGGAATTTGGCAGCCAAACCGAATGCGATGGCACCTGCATACTCAG CGAGGTGTCGCGAGTCCACCTGCCCGGCTCGCAGGCGAAGGACAAGGATG CGGGCAAGTCCTTGTGGCAACCACTTTA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 18> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 17: MAMDLIEQESRLEFLPGAEEEAEFERLYAAPAEIVALLSIFYGGISIVAVIGNTLVTWVVATTRQMRTVTN MYIANLAFADVIIGLFCIPFQFQAALLQSWNLPWFMCSFCPFVQALSVNVSVFTLTAIAIDRHRAIINPLR ARPTKFVSKFIIGGIWMLALLFAVPFAIAFRVEELTERFRENNETYNVTRPFCMNKNLSDDQLQSFRYTLV FVQYLVPFCVISFVYIQMAVRLWGTRAPGNAQDSRDITLLKNKKKVIKMLIIVVIIFGLCWLPLQLYNILY VTIPEINDYHFISIVWFCCDWLAMSNSCYNPFIYGIYNEKFKREFNKRFAACFCKFKTSMDAHERTFSMHT RASSIRSTYANSSMRIRSNLFGPARGGVNNGKPGLHMPRVHGSGANSGIYNGSSGQNNNVNGQHHQHQSVV TFAATPGVSAPGVGVAMP2WRRNNFKPLHPNVIECEDDVALMELPSTTPPSEELASGAGVQLALLSRESSS CICEQEFGSQTECDGTCILSEVSRVHLPGSQAKDKDAGKSLWQPL The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR8 <SEQ ID NO. 19> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGTTTACGTGGCTGATGATGGATGTCCTCCAGTTTGTGAAAGGGGAAAT GACAGCCGATTCAGAGGCAAATGCCACAAATTGGTATAACACGAACGAGA GCTTATATACCACGGAACTGAACCATAGATGGATTAGTGGTAGTTCCACA ATTCAGCCAGAGGAGTCCCTTTATGGCACTGATTTGCCCACCTATCAACA TTGCATAGCCACGCGGAATTCCTTTGCTGACTTGTTCACTGTGGTGCTCT ACGGATTTGTGTGCATTATCGGATTATTTGGCAACACCCTGGTGATCTAC GTGGTGTTGCGCTTTTCCAAAATGCAAACGGTCACGAATATATATATCCT GAATCTGGCGGTGGCAGACGAGTGCTTCCTGATTGGAATACCCTTTCTGC TGTACACAATGCGAATTTGCAGCTGGCGATTCGGGGAGTTTATGTGCAAA GCCTACATGGTGAGCACATCCATCACCTCCTTCACCTCGTCGATTTTTCT GCTCATCATGTCCGCGGATCGATATATAGCGGTATGCCACCCGATTTCCT CGCCACGATATCGAACTCTGCATATTGCCAAAGTGGTCTCAGCGATTGCC TGGTCAACTTCAGCGGTCCTCATGCTGCCCGTGATCCTTTATGCCAGCAC TGTGGAGCAGGAGGATGGCATCAATTACTCGTGCAACATAATGTGGCCAG ATGCGTACAAGAAGCATTCGGGCACCACCTTCATACTGTACACATTTTTC CTAGGATTCGCCACACCGCTGTGCTTTATCCTGAGTTTCTACTACTTGGT TATAAGGAAACTGCGATCGGTGGGTCCCAAACCAGGAACGAAGTCCAAGG AGAAGAGGCGGGCTCACAGGAAGGTCACTCGACTGGTACTGACGGTGATA AGTGTATACATTCTATGTTGGCTCCCTCACTGGATTTCTCAGGTGGCCCT GATTCACTCGAATCCCGCGCAAAGGGACCTCTCCCGACTGGAAATACTCA TTTTCCTACTTCTGGGGGCACTGGTTTACTCGAATTCGGCGGTGAATCCC ATACTTTATGCCTTCCTAAGTGAGAACTTCCGGAAGAGCTTCTTCAAGGC CTTTACCTGTATGAATAAGCAGGATATCAACGCTCAACTCCAGCTGGAGC CCAGTGTTTTCACCAAACAGGGCAGTAAAAAGAGGGGTGGCTCCAAGCGC CTGTTGACCAGCAATCCGCAGATTCCTCCACTGCTGCCACTGAATGCGGG TAACAACAATTCATCGACCACCACATCCTCGACCACGACAGCGGAAAAGA CCGGAACCACGGGGACACAGAAATCATGCAATTCCAATGGCAAAGTGACA GCTCCGCCGGAGAATTTGATTATATGTTTGAGCGAGCAGCAGGAGGCATT TTGCACCACCGCGAGAAGAGGATCGGGCGCAGTGCAGCAGACAGATTTGT A The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 20> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 19: MFTWLMMDVLQFVKGEMTADSEANATNWYNTNESLYTTELNHRWISGSSTIQPEESLYGTDLPTYQHCIAT RNSFADLFTVVLYGFVCIIGLFGNTLVIYVVLRFSKMQTVTNIYILNLAVADECFLIGIPFLLYTMRICSW RFGEFMCKAYMVSTSITSFTSSIFLLIMSADRYIAVCHPISSPRYRTLHIAKVVSAIAWSTSAVLMLPVIL YASTVEQEDGINYSCNIMWPDAYKKHSGTTFILYTFFLGFATPLCFILSFYYLVIRKLRSVGPKPGTKSKE KRRAHRKVTRLVLTVISVYTLCWLPHWISQVALIHSNPAQRDLSRLEILIFLLLGALVYSNSAVNPILYAF LSENFRKSFFKAFTCMNKQDINAQLQLEPSVFTKQGSKKRGGSKRLLTSNPQIPPLLPLNAGNNNSSTTTS STTTAEKTGTTGTQKSCNSNGKVTAPPENLIICLSEQQEAFCTTARRGSGAVQQTDL The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR9 <SEQ ID NO. 21> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGTTCAACTACGAGGAGGGGGATGCCGACCAGGCGGCCATGGCTGCAGC GGCTGCCTATAGGGCACTGCTCGACTACTATGCCAATGCGCCAAGTGCGG CGGGTCACATAGTGTCGCTCAACGTGGCACCCTACAATGGAACTGGAAAC GGAGGCACTGTCTCCTTGGCGGGCAATGCGACAAGCAGCTATGGCGATGA TGATAGGGATGGCTATATGGACACCGAGCCCAGTGACCTGGTCACCGAAC TGGCCTTCTCCCTGGGCACCAGTTCAAGTCCAAGTCCCAGTTCCACACCC GCTTCCAGCTCCAGTACTTCCACTGGCATGCCCGTCTGGCTGATACCCAG CTATAGCATGATTCTGCTGTTCGCCGTGCTGGGCAACCTGCTGGTCATCT CGACGCTGGTGCAGAATCGCCGGATGCGTACCATAACCAACGTGTTCCTG CTCAACCTGGCCATATCGGACATGCTGCTGGGCGTGCTCTGCATGCCCGT CACCCTGGTGGGCACCCTGCTGCGAAACTTCATCTTTGGCGAGTTCCTCT GCAAGCTCTTTCAGTTCTCGCAAGCCGCCTCCGTGGCCGTTTCGTCCTGG ACCTTGGTGGCCATATCCTGTGAGCGCTACTACGCGATATGCCATCCACT GCGCTCGCGATCCTGGCAGACAATCAGTCACGCCTACAAGATCATCGGCT TCATCTGGCTGGGCGGCATCCTCTGCATGACGCCCATAGCGGTCTTTAGT CAATTGATACCCACCAGTCGACCGGGCTACTGCAAGTGCCGTGAGTTTTG GCCCGACCAGGGATACGAGCTCTTCTACAACATCCTGCTGGACTTCCTGC TGCTCGTCCTGCCGCTTCTCGTCCTCTGCGTGGCCTACATCCTCATCACG CGTACCCTGTACGTAGGCATGGCCAAGGACAGCGGACGCATCCTGCAGCA ATCGCTGCCTGTTTCCGCTACAACGGCCGGCGGAAGCGCACCGAATCCGG GCACCAGCAGCAGTAGTAACTGCATCCTGGTCCTGACCGCCACCGCAGTC TATAATGAAAATAGTAACAATAATAATGGAAATTCAGAGGGATCCGCAGG CGGAGGATCAACCAATATGGCAACGACCACCTTGACAACGAGACCAACGG CTCCAACTGTGATCACCACCACCACGACGACCACGGTGACGCTGGCCAAG ACCTCCTCGCCCAGCATTCGCGTCCACGATGCGGCACTTCGCAGGTCCAA CGAGGCCAAGACCCTGGAGAGCAAGAAGCGTGTGGTCAAGATGCTGTTCG TCCTGGTGCTGGAGTTTTTCATCTGCTGGACTCCGCTGTACGTGATCAAC ACGATGGTCATGCTGATCGGACCGGTGGTGTACGAGTATGTCGACTACAC GGCCATCAGTTTCCTCCAGCTGCTGGCCTACTCATCCAGCTGCTGCAATC CGATCACCTACTGCTTCATGAACGCCAGCTTCCGGCGCGCCTTTGTCGAC ACCTTCAAGGGTCTGCCCTGGCGTCGTGGAGCAGGTGCCAGCGGAGGCGT CGGTGGTGCTGCTGGTGGAGGACTCTCCGCCAGCCAGGCGGGCGCAGGCC CGGGCGCCTATGCGAGTGCCAACACCAACATTAGTCTCAATCCCGGCCTA GCCATGGGTATGGGCACCTGGCGGAGTCGCTCACGCCACGAGTTTCTCAA TGCGGTGGTGACCACCAATAGTGCCGCCGCCGCCGTCAACAGTCCTCAGC TCTA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 22> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 21: MFNYEEGDADQAAMAAAAAYRALLDYYANAPSAAGHIVSLNVAPYNGTGNGGTVSLAGNATSSYGDDDRDG YMDTEPSDLVTELAFSLGTSSSPSPSSTPASSSSTSTGMPVWLIPSYSMILLFAVLGNLLVISTLVQNRRM RTITNVFLLNLAISDMLLGVLCMPVTLVGTLLRNFIFGEFLCKLFQFSQAASVAVSSWTLVAISCERYYAI CHPLRSRSWQTISHAYKIIGFIWLGGILCMTPIAVFSQLIPTSRPGYCKCREFWPDQGYELFYNILLDFLL LVLPLLVLCVAYILITRTLYVGMAKDSGRILQQSLPVSATTAGGSAPNPGTSSSSNCILVLTATAVYNENS NNNNGNSEGSAGGGSTNMATTTLTTRPTAPTVITTTTTTTVTLAKTSSPSIRVHDAALRRSNEAKTLESKK RVVKMLFVLVLEFFICWTPLYVINTMVMLIGPVVYEYVDYTAISFLQLLAYSSSCCNPITYCFMNASFRRA FVDTFKGLPWRRGAGASGGVGGAAGGGLSASQAGAGPGAYASANTNISLNPGLAMGMGTWRSRSRHEFLNA VVTTNSAAAAVNSPQL The following DNA sequence for DmGPCR10 <SEQ ID NO. 23> was identified in D. melanogaster: ATGTACGCCTCCTTGATGGACGTTGGCCAGACGTTGGCAGCCAGGCTGGCGGATAGCGAC GGCAACGGGGCCAATGACAGCGGACTCCTGGCAACCGGACAAGGTCTGGAGCAGGAGCAG GAGGGTCTGGCACTGGATATGGGCCACAATGCCAGCGCCGACGGCGGAATAGTACCGTAT GTGCCCGTGCTGGACCGCCCGGAGACGTACATTGTCACCGTGCTGTACACGCTCATCTTC ATTGTGGGAGTTTTGGGCAACGGCACGCTGGTCATCATCTTCTTTCGCCACCGCTCCATG CGCAACATACCCAACACATACATTCTTTCACTGGCCCTGGCTGATCTGTTGGTTATATTG GTGTGTGTACCTGTGGCCACGATTGTCTACACGCAGGAAAGCTGGCCCTTTGAGCGGAAC ATGTGCCGCATCAGCGAGTTCTTTAAGGACATATCCATCGGGGTGTCCGTGTTTACACTG ACCGCCCTTTCCGGCGAGCGGTACTGCGCCATTGTAAATCCCCTACGCAAGCTTCAGACC AAGCCGCTCACTGTCTTTACTGCGGTGATGATCTGGATCCTGGCCATCCTACTGGGCATG CCTTCGGTTCTTTTCTCCGACATCAAGTCCTACCCTGTGTTCACAGCCACCGGTAACATG ACCATTGAAGTGTGCTCCCCATTTCGCGACCCGGAGTATGCAAAGTTCATGGTGGCGGGC AAGGCACTGGTGTACTACCTGTTGCCGCTGTCCATCATTGGGGCGCTATACATCATGATG GCCAAGCGGCTCCATATGAGCGCCCGCAACATGCCCGGCGAACAGCAGAGCATGCAGAGC CGCACCCAGGCTAGGGCCCGACTCCATGTGGCGCGCATGGTGGTAGCATTCGTGGTGGTG TTCTTCATCTGCTTCTTCCCGTACCACGTGTTTGAGCTGTGGTACCACTTCTACCCAACG GCTGAGGAGGACTTCGATGAGTTCTGGAACGTGCTGCGCATCCTTCCTAAACTCGTGCGT CAACCCCGTGGCCTCTACTGCGTGTCCGGGGTGTTTCGGCAGCACTTTAATCGCTACCTC TGCTGCATCTGCGTCAAGCGGCAGCCGCACCTGCGGCAGCACTCAACGGCCACTGGAATG ATGGACAATACCAGTGTGATGTCCATGCGCCGCTCCACGTACGTGGGTGGAACCGCTGGC AATCTGCGGGCCTCGCTGCACCGGAACAGCAATCACGGAGTTGGTGGAGCTGGAGGTGGA GTAGGAGGAGGAGTAGGGTCAGGTCGTGTGGGCAGCTTTCATCGGCAGGACTCGATGCCC CTGCAGCACGGAAATGCCCACGGAGGTGGTGCGGGCGGGGGATCCTCCGGACTTGGAGCC GGCGGGCGGACGGCGGCAGTGAGCGAAAAGAGCTTTATAAATCGTTACGAAAGTGGCGTA ATGCGCTACTAA The following amino acid sequence <SEQ ID NO. 24> is the amino acid sequence for the protein encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO. 23: MYASLMDVGQTLAARLADSDGNGANDSGLLATGQGLEQEQEGLALDMGHNASADGGIVPYVPVLDRPETYI VTVLYTLIFIVGVLGNGTLVIIFFRHRSMRNIPNTYILSLALADLLVILVCVPVATIVYTOESWPFERNMC RISEFFKDISIGVSVFTLTALSGERYCAIVNPLRKLQTKPLTVFTAVMIWILAILLGMPSVLFSDIKSYPV FTATGNMTIEVCSPFRDPEYAKFMVAGKALVYYLLPLSIIGALYIMMAKRLHMSARNMPGEQQSMQSRTQA RARLHVARMVVAFVVVFFICFFPYHVFELWYHFYPTAEEDFDEFWNVLRILPKLVRQPRGLYCVSGVFRQH FNRYLCCICVKRQPHLRQHSTATGMMDNTSVMSMRRSTYVGGTAGNLRASLHRNSNHGVGGAGGGVGGGVG SGRVGSFHRQDSMPLQHGNAHGGGAGGGSSGLGAGGRTAAVSEKSFINRYESGVMRY

In accordance with the Budapest Treaty, clones of the present invention have been deposited at the Agricultural Research Culture Collection (NRRL) International Depository Authority, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, Ill. 61604, U.S.A. Accession numbers and deposit dates are provided below in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Clone NRRL Accession No. Date of Deposit DmGPCR1 <SEQ ID NO: 1> NRRL B-30347 19 Oct. 2000 DmGPCR2a <SEQ ID NO: 3> NRRL B-30348 19 Oct. 2000 DmGPCR4 <SEQ ID NO: 7> NRRL B-30349 19 Oct. 2000 DmGPCR5a <SEQ ID NO: 9> NRRL B-30350 19 Oct. 2000 DmGPCR6aL <SEQ ID NO: NRRL B-30351 19 Oct. 2000 13> DmGPCR6bL <SEQ ID NO: NRRL B-30352 19 Oct. 2000 15> DmGPCR7 <SEQ ID NO: 17> NRRL B-30353 19 Oct. 2000 DmGPCR8 <SEQ ID NO: 19> NRRL B-30354 19 Oct. 2000 DmGPCR9 <SEQ ID NO: 21> NRRL B-30355 19 Oct. 2000

The invention is further illustrated by way of the following examples which are intended to elucidate the invention. These examples are not intended, nor are they to be construed, as limiting the scope of the invention. It will be clear that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as particularly described herein. Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the teachings herein and, therefore, are within the scope of the invention.

It is intended that each of the patents, applications, and printed publications mentioned in this patent document be hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Example 1 presented below is actual whereas the remaining Examples are prophetic.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Identification of DmGPCRs

A Celera genomic D. melanogaster database was converted to a database of predicted proteins and a mRNA database using a variety of gene finding software tools to predict the mRNAs that would be generated (the “PnuFlyPep” database). Procedures for analyzing genomic databases using gene finding software tools are known to those skilled in the art.

The nucleotide sequences of several C. elengans FaRP GPCRs were used as query sequences against the mRNA database described above. This database was searched for regions of similarity using a variety of tools, including FASTA and Gapped BLAST (Altschul et al., Nuc. Acids Res., 1997, 25, 3389, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

Briefly, the BLAST algorithm, which stands for Basic Local Alignment Search Tool is suitable for determining sequence similarity (Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol., 1990, 215, 403-410, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pair (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence that either match or satisfy some positive-valued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as the neighbourhood word score threshold (Altschul et al., supra). These initial neighbourhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find HSPs containing them. The word hits are extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased. Extension for the word hits in each direction are halted when: 1) the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; 2) the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or 3) the end of either sequence is reached. The Blast algorithm parameters W, T and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The Blast program uses as defaults a word length (W) of 11, the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1992, 89, 10915-10919, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) alignments (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=4, and a comparison of both strands.

The BLAST algorithm (Karlin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1993, 90, 5873-5787, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) and Gapped BLAST perform a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences. One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, a nucleic acid is considered similar to a GPCR gene or cDNA if the smallest sum probability in comparison of the test nucleic acid to a GPCR nucleic acid is less than about 1, preferably less than about 0.1, more preferably less than about 0.01, and most preferably less than about 0.001.

The mRNAs corresponding to the predicted proteins were retreived from the database of predicted mRNAs used to prepare the PnuFlyPep database. These are identified as the following nucleotide sequences: SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17, each having a statistically significant overlapping homology to the query sequence. The nucleotide sequences SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9-16 (corresponding to DmGPCRs 2a, 2b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b were obtained from PCR cloning and sequencing of another identified sequence (not shown). Each of these sequences represent a splice variant of a DmGPCR gene.

Example 2 Cloning of DmGPCRs

cDNA Preparation

cDNA was prepared from either adult Drosophila melanogaster poly A⁺ RNA (Clontech Laboratories, Palo Alto, Calif.) or adult Drosophila melanogaster total RNA (below). To obtain total RNA, parent stocks of Drosophila melanogaster (Biological Supply Company, Burlington, N.C.) were anesthetized by chilling, and 5 to 6 adults were added to a culture vessel containing 10 ml H₂O, 10 ml Formula 4-24 Instant Drosophila Medium and 6 to 10 grains of active dry yeast (Biological Supply Company). A polyurethane foam plug was placed at end of each vessel, and flies were incubated at room temperature (RT) for 4 to 6 weeks. At maturity, the vessels were chilled, and the anesthetized flies were poured into a 50 ml polypropylene tube held in liquid N₂. The frozen flies were stored at −70° C. until they were ground with a mortar and pestle in the presence of liquid N₂. The powdered tissue along with some liquid N₂ was decanted into 50 ml polypropylene tubes on dry ice. Following evaporation of the liquid N₂, the powdered tissue was stored at −70° C.

To prepare RNA, 300 mg of powdered tissue was placed into polypropylene tubes on dry ice, and 5 ml of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride in 0.1 M NaOAc, pH 5.2 was added. All solutions were either treated with DEPC, or prepared with DEPC-treated dH₂O, all glassware was baked, or virgin plastic labware was used, to reduce problems with RNAse contamination. Tubes were vortex-mixed then placed on ice. The powdered tissue was homogenized by successive passage through 20, 21, and 22 gauge needles. The tubes were centrifuged (1000×g for 10 min), then 2.5 to 3 ml of supernatant was layered on top of 8 ml 5.7 M cesium chloride in 0.1 M NaOAc contained in 14×95 mm Ultra-Clear centrifuge tubes (Beckman Instruments, Inc., Palo Alto, Calif.). The samples were centrifuged at 25000 rpm for 18 h at 18° C. in an L8-70 ultracentrifuge (Beckman Instruments, Inc.,). The supernatant was decanted, and the tube was inverted and allowed to drain. The RNA pellet was suspended in 200 μl of RNAse-free dH₂O (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, Calif.), then rinsed twice with 100 μl RNAse-free dH₂O (total, 400 μl). The RNA was precipitated by the addition of 44 μl of 3M NaOAc, pH5.2, and 1 ml cold 100% ethanol. Following overnight storage at −70° C., the tube was centrifuged at 14000 rpm for 1 h (Eppendorf microfuge 5402), rinsed with 75% ethanol (prepared with DEPC-treated dH₂O), then the pellet was dissolved in RNAse-free dH₂O. Absorbances at 260 or 280 nm were determined in 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5, and used to estimate RNA concentration and purity.

First-strand cDNA was prepared according to the procedure supplied with the Superscript II enzyme (GIBCO BRL, Rockville, Md.). Either 500 ng (2 μl) of poly A⁺ RNA or 3 μg (4 μl) of total RNA was added to microfuge tubes containing RNAse-free dH₂O and 250 ng (2.5 μl) random primers. The tubes (12 μl) were incubated at 70° C. for 10 min, chilled on ice, then 4 μl of 5× first strand buffer, 2 μl of 0.1 M DTT and 1 μl of 10 mM dNTP mix were added. Following incubation at 25° C. for 10 min, then at 42° C. for 2 min, 1 μl (200 units) of Superscript II was added, and incubation continued at 42° C. for 50 min. The enzyme was inactivated by incubation at 70° C. for 15 min. To remove RNA complimentary to the cDNA, 2 μl (2 units) of RNAse H (Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis, Ind.) was added, followed by incubation at 37° C. for 20 min. The cDNA was stored at −20° C.

PCR Reactions

Either a standard 50/100 μl PCR reaction or Hot Start PCR Reaction, using Ampliwax beads, (Perkin Elmer Cetus, Norwalk, Conn.) was used to amplify the Drosophila melanogaster G protein-coupled receptors (DmGPCRs). Distilled H₂O was used to dissolve the primers (Genosys Biotechnologies, Inc., The Woodlands, Tex.); 5′- and 3′-primers at 10 μM concentrations, internal primers at 1 μM. Each PCR reaction contained 2 to 4 units of rTth XL DNA polymerase, 1.2 to 1.5 mM Mg(OAc)₂, 200 μM each DNTP and 200 or 400 nM each primer. For Hot Start PCR, 32 or 36 μl ‘lower’ cocktail (dH₂O, 3.3×XL-buffer, dNTP and Mg(OAc)₂ was added to 2 or 4 μl of each primer (total volume, 40 μl). An Ampliwax bead (Perkin Elmer Cetus), was added, tubes incubated at 75° C. for 5 min, cooled at RT, then 60 μl ‘upper’ cocktail (dH₂O, 3.3×XL-buffer, rTth and template) was added. PCR amplifications were performed in a Perkin Elmer Series 9600 thermal cycler. The typical program for the thermal cycler included: 1 min at 94° C., followed by 30 cycles of amplification (0.5 min at 94° C., 0.5 min at 60° C., 2 min at 72° C)., followed by 6 min at 60° C. In order to create 3′ A-overhangs on the PCR product (‘tailing’), 1 μl Taq polymerase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) was added at the end of the PCR amplification, and tubes incubated at 72° C. for 10 min. The reaction mixtures were analyzed on 1% agarose gel prepared in TAE buffer (5). PCR products were typically purified using QIAquick spun columns (QIAGEN).

Ligation and Transformation

Ligation of all PCR products into PCR 3.1 vector (Invitrogen) and transformation of the ligated products into One Shot™ TOP10F′ competent cells (Invitrogen) were done according to the manufacturer's directions. Transformants to be screened for inserts were propagated in LB broth containing 50 μg ampicillin/ml. Colonies with inserts were identified either by a boiling-lysis plasmid mini-prep procedure (5) or by a ‘colony PCR’ procedure that directly amplified the plasmid DNA from the transformed bacteria (6).

DNA Sequencing

DNA for sequencing was prepared using Qiagen anion-exchange plasmid kits (QIAGEN-tip 20) to isolate the DNA from 5 ml LB cultures grown at 37° C. overnight as per the manufacturer's directions. Four primers (T7, M13 reverse, ‘sense’ and ‘antisense’, see Table 1) were typically used for sequencing each DNA. Dye-terminator sequencing chemistry was used, either the BigDye™ Terminator reagents (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) or DYEnamic™ ET terminator kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Inc., Piscataway, N.J.). Manufacturer's recommendations were followed for preparation of the sequencing reactions. Primers and unincorporated nucleotides were removed using Centri-Sep spun columns (Princeton Separations, Adelphia, N.J.). Sequencing reactions were analyzed on a Applied Biosystems 377 automated DNA sequencer. DNA sequences were assembled and analyzed using Sequencher (Gene Codes, Ann Arbor, Mich.), the GCG group of sequence analysis programs (Wisconsin Package Version 10.1, Genetics Computer Group (GCG), Madison, Wis.), and functions available through the Vector NTI 5.5 suite of programs (Informax, Bethesda, Md.).

The results of cloning and sequencing of the DmGPCRs of the present invention are as follows:

DmGPCR1

PCR primers designed to the cDNA corresponding to PnuFlyPep34651 were used to successfully amplify a PCR product from a cDNA preparation prepared from Drosophila polyA⁺ mRNA. The resulting product was cloned and sequenced. The experimentally obtained sequence was identical to the predicted sequence. An intact clone was obtained and designated ‘DmGPCR1.’

DmGPCR2

Initial attempts to amplify a PCR product using primers designed to the cDNA corresponding to PnuFlyPep67585 were unsuccessful. Alignment of the predicted sequence to the existing C. elengans receptors, and to other neuropeptide receptors, showed that the 5′ end of the predicted sequence was unusually long, and suggested that there may have been an error in gene prediction on that side. Using the genomic sequence as a guide, a variety of alternative 5′ PCR primers were designed and tested. One of these primer combinations, using cDNA prepared from total RNA, was successful in giving a product of the right size. Sequencing of clones derived from the PCR reaction showed that the amplified product contained the anticipated 5′ and 3′ ends, and was identical to the predicted sequence with the exception that the predicted sequence was missing a small stretch of 6 amino acids. Comparison of the clones also revealed that two splicing isoforms were present, one similar to the predicted sequence (designated ‘DmGPCR2a’), and the other missing a stretch of 23 amino acids located just past TM VII into the intracellular C-terminus of the molecule (designated DmGPCR2b’).

DmGPCR3

A gene corresponding to the DmGPCR3 predicted protein had already been reported in the literature. This gene (GenBank accession M77168) was described as NKD, “a developmentally regulated tachykinin receptor”. Monnier D, et al., Journal of Biological Chemistry 1992; 267(2):1298-302. Comparison of the M77168 and PnuFlyPep68505 sequences showed that the predicted sequences were significantly different from the cDNA. The cDNA had a longer 5′ end, was missing an exon encoding 51 amino acids, and was significantly shorter on the 3′ end. PCR primers were designed to the published sequence, and a PCR product was obtained using cDNA prepared from total RNA. This product was identical in structure to the reported NKD sequence.

DmGPCR4

The cDNA corresponding to PnuFlyPep 67393 was used to design PCR primers for the amplification of DmGPCR4. Using a cDNA library prepared from total Drosophila mRNA, a PCR product was obtained and cloned. Comparison of the clones with the sequence predicted by PnuFlyPep revealed that the sequences were identical with the exception that one exon predicted by HMMGene was not present in any of the cloned PCR products. DmGPCR4 has been recently cloned by Lenz et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm., 273:571-577 (2000), and was classified as a second putative allatostatin receptor.

DmGPCR5

DmGPCR5 (PnuFlyPep67522) had already been cloned and described in the literature as a ‘Drosophila receptor for tachykinin-related peptides’ (M77168). Li X J, et al., EMBO Journal 1991; 10(11):3221-9. At first appearance, the predicted cDNA corresponding to the PnuFlyPep protein was identical to the published sequence. PCR primers were used to successfully amplify a PCR product of the appropriate size from a cDNA mixture prepared from Drosophila melanogaster poly A⁺ mRNA. Sequencing of the cloned PCR products revealed that, although the overall splicing pattern was the same, two sequencing errors were present in the published sequence. These errors resulted in a frameshift mutation followed by a compensatory frameshift mutation, resulting in a difference of 13 amino acids bettween the experimentally determined and reported sequences, starting at amino acid position 46. This cloned gene was designated ‘DmGPCR5a’

Additionally, a splicing isoform was found for DmGPCR5. This variant encoded an extra three amino acids in the N-terminal extracellular domain. This variant was designated ‘DmGPCR5b’.

DmGPCR6

The GPCR corresponding to PnuFlyPep15731 had already been described in the literature as a ‘Neuropeptide Y’ receptor (M81490. Li X J, et al., Journal of Biological Chemistry 1992; 267(1):9-12. The PnuFlyPep-predicted sequence was different from M81490 at both ends of the molecule. PnuFlyPep15731 contained an extra 15 amino acids on the N-terminus as compared to M81490. The 3′ end of PnuFlyPep 15731 was also different from M81490, being tmncated and not containing conserved TM VI and TM VII residues.

The initial PCR primers were designed using the sequence of M81490. Using these primers, and a template derived from total mRNA, a PCR product was obtained. Examination of the cloned PCR product revealed that it used an identical processing pattern to M81490. This clone was designated ‘DmGPCR6a’.

During the cloning of DmGPCR6a an additional splicing isoform was discovered. This isoform was generated by use of an alternative splice acceptor site to generate an alternative 3′ end of the molecule using much of the same sequence as the ‘6a’ form but in a different reading frame. Additionally, the open reading frame for this clone extended past the original 3′ PCR primer. Examination of the genomic sequence on the 3′ end revealed a number of likely candidate exons. PCR primers corresponding to a number of these possible exons were tested until one was found that would amplify a PCR product. This product was designated ‘6b’. Examination of the genomic sequence also predicted that the initiator ATG predicted by PnuFlyPep15731 was in-frame with the M81490 initiation codon containing an extra 15 amino acids, and that it was likely that the PnuFlyPep15731 start codon was the authentic start codon. A new 5′ PCR primer was designed that incorporated the PnuFlyPep15731 start codon and was used in conjunction with the two 3′ PCR primers to amplify and clone ‘DmGPCR6aL’ and ‘DmGPCR6bL’ (‘long’).

DmGPCR7

Initial attempts to amplify the DmGPCR7 gene product were unsuccessful. Alignment of the predicted sequence (PnuFlyPep67863) with other GPCRs suggested that the error was probably in the prediction of the 3′ end of the molecule. The predicted sequence had a 3′ end that was far longer than that of most other GPCRs. Examination of the genomic sequence suggested that the likely error was in the prediction of a splicing event that removed an in-frame stop codon that would have resulted in a molecule of the appropriate size. A 3′ PCR primer was designed within that intron. Additionally, a new 5′ PCR primer was designed to utilize an in-frame ATG just upstream of the predicted start codon. PCR amplification of cDNA derived from total mRNA resulted in a product of the expected size.

DmGPCR8

DmGPCR8 was successfully amplified using PCR primers designed to the PnuFlyPep predicted sequence. cDNA derived from poly A⁺ RNA was used as template for the PCR reaction. All six of the sequenced clones were identical in structure to the PnuFlyPep-predicted sequence. A polymorphism was noted at position #68 (DNA sequence), with half of the clones having a “C” at this position, and half an “A.” This change does result in an amino acid change, Asp or Glu, respectively. The Celera sequence noted an “A,” so an “A” clone (Glu) was arbitrarily chosen for further study. No “A” clones were obtained in the correct orientation, thus a subcloning step, utilizing Pme I to remove the insert from the original pCR3.1 clone and a Pme I-digested pCR3.1 vector, was used to reverse the orientation.

DmGPCR9

DmGPCR9 was cloned using PCR primers designed to the PnuFlyPep predicted sequence and a cDNA template prep prepared from poly A⁺ RNA. The genomic structure was correctly predicted in PnuFlyPep.

DmGPCR10

Initial attempts to generate a PCR product with primers designed for DmGPCR10 (PnuFlyPep70325) were unsuccessful. Examination of the predicted cDNA showed that the predicted sequence was unusual in that it did not contain the highly conserved “WXP” motif in TM VI, nor the “NPXXF” motif in TM VII, though several other conserved residues were present. Examination of genomic sequences up to 80 kb downstream of the last exon did not reveal any other potential exons. Attempts to obtain an intact clone for DmGPCR10 were not undertaken.

DmGPCR11 (Allatostatin-Like Peptide Receptor)

PCR primers for the ‘allatostatin-like peptide receptor were designed using the published sequence. Birgul N, et al., EMBO Journal 1999; 18(21):5892-900. A PCR product was obtained using cDNA derived from a total mRNA prep, and was cloned and sequenced. The final cDNA coded for a protein identical to that described in publication.

Example 3 Northern Blot Analysis

Northern blots may be performed to examine the expression of mRNA. The sense orientation oligonucleotide and the antisense-orientation oligonucleotide, described above, are used as primers to amplify a portion of the GPCR cDNA sequence of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 21.

Multiple human tissue northern blot from Clontech (Human II #7767-1) are hybridized with the probe. Pre-hybridization is carried out at 42 C for 4 hours in 5×SSC, 1× Denhardt's reagent, 0.1% SDS, 50% formamide, 250 mg/ml salmon sperm DNA. Hybridization is performed overnight at 42° C. in the same mixture with the addition of about 1.5×106 cpm/ml of labeled probe.

The probe is labeled with α-32P-dCTP by Rediprime DNA labelling system (Amersham Pharmacia), purified on Nick Column (Amersham Pharmacia) and added to the hybridization solution. The filters are washed several times at 42 C in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS. Filters are exposed to Kodak XAR film (Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y., USA) with intensifying screen at −80 C.

Example 4 Recombinant Expression of DmGPCR in Eukaryotic Cells

A. Expression of DmGPCR in Mammalian Cells

To produce DmGPCR protein, a DmGPCR-encoding polynucleotide is expressed in a suitable host cell using a suitable expression vector and standard genetic engineering techniques. For example, the DmGPCR-encoding sequence described in Example 1 is subdloned into the commercial expression vector pzeoSV2 (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.) and transfected into Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using the transfection reagent FuGENE 6 (Boehringer-Mannheim) and the trrnsfection protocol provided in the product insert. Other eukaryotic cell lines, including human embryonic kidney (HEK 293), CHO cells, and COS cells, are suitable as well. Cells stably expressing DmGPCR are selected by growth in the presence of 100 μg/ml zeocin (Stratagene, LaJolla, Calif.). Optionally, DmGPCR may be purified from the cells using standard chromatographic techniques. To facilitate purification, antisera is raised against one or more synthetic peptide sequences that correspond to portions of the DmGPCR amino acid sequence, and the antisera is used to affinity purify DmGPCR. The DmGPCR also may be expressed in-frame with a tag sequence (e.g., polyhistidine, hemagluttinin, FLAG) to facilitate purification. Moreover, it will be appreciated that many of the uses for DmGPCR polypeptides, such as assays described below, do not require purification of DmGPCR from the host cell.

B. Expression of DmGPCR in 293 Cells

For expression of DmGPCR in mammalian CHO cells, a plasmid bearing the relevant DmGPCR coding sequence is prepared, using vector pSecTag2A (Invitrogen). Vector pSecTag2A contains the murine IgK chain leader sequence for secretion, the c-myc epitope for detection of the recombinant protein with the anti-myc antibody, a C-terminal polyhistidine for purification with nickel chelate chromatography, and a Zeocin resistant gene for selection of stable transfectants. The forward primer for amplification of this GPCR cDNA is determined by routine procedures and preferably contains a 5′ extension of nucleotides to introduce the HindIII cloning site and nucleotides matching the GPCR sequence. The reverse primer is also determined by routine procedures and preferably contains a 5′ extension of nucleotides to introduce an XhoI restriction site for cloning and nucleotides corresponding to the reverse complement of the DmGPCR sequence. The PCR conditions are 55 C as the annealing temperature. The PCR product is gel purified and cloned into the HindIII-XhoI sites of the vector.

The DNA is purified using Qiagen chromatography columns and transfected into 293 cells using DOTAP transfection media (Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis, Ind.). Transiently transfected cells are tested for expression after 24 hours of transfection, using western blots probed with antiHis and anti-DmGPCR peptide antibodies. Permanently transfected cells are selected with Zeocin and propagated. Production of the recombinant protein is detected from both cells and media by western blots probed with anti-His, anti-Myc or anti-GPCR peptide antibodies.

C. Expression of DmGPCR in COS Cells

For expression of the DmGPCR in COS7 cells, a polynucleotide molecule having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23 can be cloned into vector p3-CI. This vector is a pUC18-derived plasmid that contains the HCMV (human cytomegalovirus) promoter-intron located upstream from the bGH (bovine growth hormone) polyadenylation sequence and a multiple cloning site. In addition, the plasmid contains the dhrf (dihydrofolate reductase) gene which provides selection in the presence of the drug methotrexane (MTX) for selection of stable transformants.

The forward primer is determined by routine procedures and preferably contains a 5′ extension which introduces an XbaI restriction site for cloning, followed by nucleotides which correspond to a nucleofide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23. The reverse primer is also determined by routine procedures and preferably contains 5′-extension of nucleotides which introduces a SalI cloning site followed by nucleotides which correspond to the reverse complement of a nucleofide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23.

The PCR consists of an initial denaturation step of 5 min at 95 C, 30 cycles of 30 sec denaturation at 95 C, 30 sec annealing at 58 C and 30 sec extension at 72 C, followed by 5 min extension at 72 C. The PCR product is gel purified and ligated into the XbaI and SalI sites of vector p3-CI. This construct is transformed into E. coli cells for amplification and DNA purification. The DNA is purified with Qiagen chromatography columns and transfected into COS 7 cells using Lipofectamine reagent from BRL, following the manufacturer's protocols. Forty eight and 72 hours after transfection, the media and the cells are tested for recombinant protein expression.

DmGPCR expressed from a COS cell culture can be purified by concentrating the cell-growth media to about 10 mg of protein/ml, and purifying the protein by, for example, chromatography. Purified DmGPCR is concentrated to 0.5 mg/ml in an Amicon concentrator fitted with a YM-10 membrane and stored at −80 C.

D. Expression of DmGPCR in Insect Cells

For expression of DmGPCR in a baculovirus system, a polynucleotide molecule having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23 can be amplified by PCR. The forward primer is determined by routine procedures and preferably contains a 5′ extension which adds the NdeI cloning site, followed by followed by nucleotides which correspond to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23. The reverse primer is also determined by routine procedures and preferably contains a 5′ extension which introduces the KpnI cloning site, followed by followed by nucleotides which correspond to the reverse complement of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23.

The PCR product is gel purified, digested with NdeI and KpnI, and cloned into the corresponding sites of vector pACHTL-A (Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif.). The pAcHTL expression vector contains the strong polyhedrin promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV), and a 6×His tag upstream from the multiple cloning site. A protein kinase site for phosphorylation and a thrombin site for excision of the recombinant protein precede the multiple cloning site is also present. Of course, many other baculovirus vectors could be used in place of pAcHTL-A, such as pAc373, pVL941 and pAcIM1. Other suitable vectors for the expression of GPCR polypeptides can be used, provided that the vector construct includes appropriately located signals for transcription, translation, and trafficking, such as an in-frame AUG and a signal peptide, as required. Such vectors are described in Luckow et al., Virology 170:31-39, among others.

The virus is grown and isolated using standard baculovirus expression methods, such as those described in Summers et al. (A Manual of Methods for Baculovirus Vectors and Insect Cell Culture Procedures, Texas Agricultural Experimental Station Bulletin No. 1555 (1987)).

In a preferred embodiment, pAcHLT-A containing DmGPCR gene is introduced into baculovirus using the “BaculoGold” transfection kit (Pharmingen, San Diego, Calif.) using methods established by the manufacturer. Individual virus isolates are analyzed for protein production by radiolabeling infected cells with ³⁵S-methionine at 24 hours post infection. Infected cells are harvested at 48 hours post infection, and the labeled proteins are visualized by SDS-PAGE. Viruses exhibiting high expression levels can be isolated and used for scaled up expression.

For expression of a DmGPCR polypeptide in a Sf9 cells, a polynucleotide molecule having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, or 23, can be amplified by PCR using the primers and methods described above for baculovirus expression. The DmGPCR cDNA is cloned into vector pAcHLT-A (Pharmingen) for expression in Sf9 insect. The insert is cloned into the NdeI and KpnI sites, after elimination of an internal NdeI site (using the same primers described above for expression in baculovirus). DNA is purified with Qiagen chromatography columns and expressed in Sf9 cells. Preliminary Western blot experiments from non purified plaques are tested for the presence of the recombinant protein of the expected size which reacted with the GPCR-specific antibody. These results are confirmed after further purification and expression optimization in HiG5 cells.

Example 5 Interaction Trap/Two-Hybrid System

In order to assay for DmGPCR-interacting proteins, the interaction trap/two-hybrid library screening method can be used. This assay was first described in Fields, et al., Nature, 1989, 340, 245, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A protocol is published in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology 1999, John Wiley & Sons, NY and Ausubel, F. M. et al. 1992, Short protocols in molecular biology, fourth edition, Greene and Wiley-interscience, NY, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Kits are available from Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif. (Matchmaker Two-Hybrid System 3).

A fusion of the nucleotide sequences encoding all or partial DmGPCR and the yeast transcription factor GAL4 DNA-binding domain (DNA-BD) is constructed in an appropriate plasmid (ie. pGBKT7) using standard subcloning techniques. Similarly, a GAL4 active domain (AD) fusion library is constructed in a second plasmid (ie. pGADT7) from cDNA of potential GPCR-binding proteins (for protocols on forming cDNA libraries, see Sambrook et al. 1989, Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual, second edition, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The DNA-BD/GPCR fusion construct is verified by sequencing, and tested for autonomous reporter gene activation and cell toxicity, both of which would prevent a successful two-hybrid analysis. Similar controls are performed with the AD/library fusion construct to ensure expression in host cells and lack of transcriptional activity. Yeast cells are transformed (ca. 105 transformants/mg DNA) with both the GPCR and library fusion plasmids according to standard procedure (Ausubel, et al., 1992, Short protocols in molecular biology, fourth edition, Greene and Wiley-interscience, NY, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In vivo binding of DNA-BD/GPCR with AD/library proteins results in transcription of specific yeast plasmid reporter genes (i.e., lacZ, HIS3, ADE2, LEU2). Yeast cells are plated on nutrient-deficient media to screen for expression of reporter genes. Colonies are dually assayed for β-galactosidase activity upon growth in Xgal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D-galactoside) supplemented media (filter assay for β-galactosidase activity is described in Breeden, et al., Cold Spring Harb. Symp. Quant. Biol., 1985, 50, 643, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Positive AD-library plasmids are rescued from transformants and reintroduced into the original yeast strain as well as other strains containing unrelated DNA-BD fusion proteins to confirm specific DmGPCR/library protein interactions. Insert DNA is sequenced to verify the presence of an open reading frame fused to GAL4 AD and to determine the identity of the DmGPCR-binding protein.

Example 6 Mobility Shift DNA-Binding Assay Using Gel Electrophoresis

A gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay can rapidly detect specific protein-DNA interactions. Protocols are widely available in such manuals as Sambrook et al. 1989, Molecular cloning: a laboratory manual, second edition, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. and Ausubel, F. M. et al., 1992, Short Protocols in Molecular Biology, fourth edition, Greene and Wiley-interscience, NY, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Probe DNA(<300 bp) is obtained from synthetic oligonucleotides, restriction endonuclease fragments, or PCR fragments and end-labeled with 32P. An aliquot of purified DmGPCR (ca. 15 μg) or crude DmGPCR extract (ca. 15 ng) is incubated at constant temperature (in the range 22-37 C) for at least 30 minutes in 10-15 μl of buffer (ie. TAE or TBE, pH 8.0-8.5) containing radiolabeled probe DNA, nonspecific carrier DNA (ca. 1 μg), BSA (300 μg/ml), and 10% (v/v) glycerol. The reaction mixture is then loaded onto a polyacrylamide gel and run at 30-35 mA until good separation of free probe DNA from protein-DNA complexes occurs. The gel is then dried and bands corresponding to free DNA and protein-DNA complexes are detected by autoradiography.

Example 7 Antibodies to DmGPCR

Standard techniques are employed to generate polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to the DmGPCR receptor, and to generate useful antigen-binding fragments thereof or variants thereof, including “humanized” variants. Such protocols can be found, for example, in Sambrook et al. (1989) and Harlow et al. (Eds.), Antibodies A Laboratory Manual; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1988). In one embodiment, recombinant DmGPCR polypeptides (or cells or cell membranes containing such polypeptides) are used as antigen to generate the antibodies. In another embodiment, one or more peptides having amino acid sequences corresponding to an immunogenic portion of DmGPCR (e.g. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or more amino acids) are used as antigen. Peptides corresponding to extracellular portions of DmGPCR, especially hydrophilic extracellular portions, are preferred. The antigen may be mixed with an adjuvant or linked to a hapten to increase antibody production.

A. Polyclonal or Monoclonal Antibodies

As one exemplary protocol, recombinant DmGPCR or a synthetic fragment thereof is used to immunize a mouse for generation of monoclonal antibodies (or larger mammal, such as a rabbit, for polyclonal antibodies). To increase antigenicity, peptides are conjugated to Keyhole Lympet Hemocyanin (Pierce), according to the manufacturer's recommendations. For an initial injection, the antigen is emulsified with Freund's Complete Adjuvant and injected subcutaneously. At intervals of two to three weeks, additional aliquots of DmGPCR antigen are emulsified with Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant and injected subcutaneously. Prior to the final booster injection, a serum sample is taken from the immunized mice and assayed by western blot to confirm the presence of antibodies that immunoreact with DmGPCR. Serum from the immunized animals may be used as a polyclonal antisera or used to isolate polyclonal antibodies that recognize DmGPCR. Alternatively, the mice are sacrificed and their spleen removed for generation of monoclonal antibodies.

To generate monoclonal antibodies, the spleens are placed in 10 ml serum-free RPMI 1640, and single cell suspensions are formed by grinding the spleens in serum-free RPMI 1640, supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 μg/ml streptomycin (RPMI) (Gibco, Canada). The cell suspensions are filtered and washed by centrifugation and resuspended in serum-free RPMI. Thymocytes taken from three naive Balb/c mice are prepared in a similar manner and used as a Feeder Layer. NS-1 myeloma cells, kept in log phase in RPMI with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Hyclone Laboratories, Inc., Logan, Utah) for three days prior to fusion, are centrifuged and washed as well.

To produce hybridoma fusions, spleen cells from the immunized mice are combined with NS-1 cells and centrifuged, and the supernatant is aspirated. The cell pellet is dislodged by tapping the tube, and 2 ml of 37° C. PEG 1500 (50% in 75 mM HEPES, pH 8.0) (Boehringer-Mannheim) is stirred into the pellet, followed by the addition of serum-free RPMI. Thereafter, the cells are centrifuged, resuspended in RPMI containing 15% FBS, 100 μM sodium hypoxanthine, 0.4 μM aminopterin, 16 μM thymidine (HAT) (Gibco), 25 units/ml IL-6 (Boehringer-Mannheim) and 1.5×10⁶ thymocytes/ml, and plated into 10 Corning flat-bottom 96-well tissue culture plates (Corning, Corning N.Y.).

On days 2, 4, and 6 after the fusion, 100 μl of medium is removed from the wells of the fusion plates and replaced with fresh medium. On day 8, the fusions are screened by ELISA, testing for the presence of mouse IgG that binds to DmGPCR. Selected fusion wells are further cloned by dilution until monoclonal cultures producing anti-DmGPCR antibodies are obtained.

B. Humanization of Anti-DmGPCR Monoclonal Antibodies

The expression pattern of DmGPCR as reported herein and the proven track record of GPCRs as targets for therapeutic intervention suggest therapeutic indications for DmGPCR inhibitors (antagonists). DmGPCR-neutralizing antibodies comprise one class of therapeutics useful as DmGPCR antagonists. Following are protocols to improve the utility of anti-DmGPCR monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics in humans by “humanizing” the monoclonal antibodies to improve their serum half-life and render them less immunogenic in human hosts (i.e., to prevent human antibody response to non-human anti-DmGPCR antibodies).

The principles of humanization have been described in the literature and are facilitated by the modular arrangement of antibody proteins. To minimize the possibility of binding complement, a humanized antibody of the IgG4 isotype is preferred.

For example, a level of humanization is achieved by generating chimeric antibodies comprising the variable domains of non-human antibody proteins of interest with the constant domains of human antibody molecules. (See, e.g., Morrison et al., Adv. Immunol., 44:65-92 (1989)). The variable domains of DmGPCR-neutralizing anti-DmGPCR antibodies are cloned from the genomic DNA of a B-cell hybridoma or from cDNA generated from mRNA isolated from the hybridoma of interest. The V region gene fragments are linked to exons encoding human antibody constant domains, and the resultant construct is expressed in suitable mammalian host cells (e.g., myeloma or CHO cells).

To achieve an even greater level of humanization, only those portions of the variable region gene fragments that encode antigen-binding complementarity determining regions (“CDR”) of the non-human monoclonal antibody genes are cloned into human antibody sequences. (See, e.g., Jones et al., Nature 321:522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323-327 (1988); Verhoeyen et al., Science 239:1534-36 (1988); and Tempest et al., Bio/Technology 9:266-71 (1991)). If necessary, the β-sheet framework of the human antibody surrounding the CDR3 regions also is modified to more closely mirror the three dimensional structure of the antigen-binding domain of the original monoclonal antibody. (See Kettleborough et al., Protein Engin., 4:773-783 (1991); and Foote et al., J. Mol. Biol., 224:487-499 (1992)).

In an alternative approach, the surface of a non-human monoclonal antibody of interest is humanized by altering selected surface residues of the non-human antibody, e.g., by site-directed mutagenesis, while retaining all of the interior and contacting residues of the non-human antibody. See Padlan, Molecular Immunol., 28(4/5):489-98 (1991).

The foregoing approaches are employed using DmGPCR-neutralizing anti-DmGPCR monoclonal antibodies and the hybridomas that produce them to generate humanized DmGPCR-neutralizing antibodies useful as therapeutics to treat or palliate conditions wherein DmGPCR expression or ligand-mediated DmGPCR signaling is detrimental.

Example 8 Assays to Identify Modulators of DmGPCR Activity

Set forth below are several nonlimiting assays for identifying modulators (agonists and antagonists) of DmGPCR activity. Among the modulators that can be identified by these assays are natural ligand compounds of the receptor; synthetic analogs and derivatives of natural ligands; antibodies, antibody fragments, and/or antibody-like compounds derived from natural antibodies or from antibody-like combinatorial libraries; and/or synthetic compounds identified by high-throughput screening of libraries; and the like. All modulators that bind DmGPCR are useful for identifying DmGPCR in tissue samples (e.g., for diagnostic purposes, pathological purposes, and the like). Agonist and antagonist modulators are useful for up-regulating and down-regulating DmGPCR activity, respectively, to treat disease states characterized by abnormal levels of DmGPCR activity. The assays may be performed using single putative modulators, and/or may be performed using a known agonist in combination with candidate antagonists (or visa versa).

A. cAMP Assays

In one type of assay, levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) are measured in DmGPCR-transfected cells that have been exposed to candidate modulator compounds. Protocols for cAMP assays have been described in the literature. (See, e.g. Sutherland et al., Circulation 37: 279 (1968); Frandsen et al., Life Sciences 18: 529-541 (1976); Dooley et al., Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 283 (2): 735-41 (1997); and George et al., Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2 (4): 235-40 (1997)). An exemplary protocol for such an assay, using an Adenylyl Cyclase Activation FlashPlate® Assay from NEN™ Life Science Products, is set forth below.

Briefly, the DmGPCR coding sequence (e.g., a cDNA or intronless genomic DNA) is subcloned into a commercial expression vector, such as pzeoSV2 (Invitrogen), and transiently transfected into Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using known methods, such as the transfection protocol provided by Boehringer-Mannheim when supplying the FuGENE 6 transfection reagent. Transfected CHO cells are seeded into 96-well microplates from the FlashPlate® assay kit, which are coated with solid scintillant to which antisera to cAMP has been bound. For a control, some wells are seeded with wild type (untransfected) CHO cells. Other wells in the plate receive various amounts of a cAMP standard solution for use in creating a standard curve.

One or more test compounds (i.e., candidate modulators) are added to the cells in each well, with water and/or compound-free medium/diluent serving as a control or controls. After treatment, cAMP is allowed to accumulate in the cells for exactly 15 minutes at room temperature. The assay is terminated by the addition of lysis buffer containing [¹²⁵I]-labeled cAMP, and the plate is counted using a Packard Topcoun™ 96-well microplate scintillation counter. Unlabeled cAMP from the lysed cells (or from standards) and fixed amounts of [¹²⁵I]-cAMP compete for antibody bound to the plate. A standard curve is constructed, and cAMP values for the unknowns are obtained by interpolation. Changes in intracellular cAMP levels of cells in response to exposure to a test compound are indicative of DmGPCR modulating activity. Modulators that act as agonists of receptors which couple to the G, subtype of G proteins will stimulate production of cAMP, leading to a measurable 3-10 fold increase in cAMP levels. Agonists of receptors which couple to the G_(i/o) subtype of G proteins will inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP production, leading to a measurable decrease in cAMP levels of 50-100%. Modulators that act as inverse agonists will reverse these effects at receptors that are either constitutively active or activated by known agonists.

B. Aequorin Assays

In another assay, cells (e.g., CHO cells) are transiently co-transfected with both a DmGPCR expression construct and a construct that encodes the photoprotein apoaquorin. In the presence of the cofactor coelenterazine, apoaquorin will emit a measurable luminescence that is proportional to the amount of intracellular (cytoplasmic) free calcium. (See generally, Cobbold, et al. “Aequorin measurements of cytoplasmic free calcium,” In: McCormack J. G. and Cobbold P. H., eds., Cellular Calcium: A Practical Approach. Oxford:IRL Press (1991); Stables et al., Analytical Biochemistry 252: 115-26 (1997); and Haugland, Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals. Sixth edition. Eugene Oreg.: Molecular Probes (1996).)

In one exemplary assay, DmGPCR is subdloned into the commercial expression vector pzeoSV2 (Invitrogen) and transiently co-transfected along with a construct that encodes the photoprotein apoaquorin (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.) into CHO cells using the transfection reagent FuGENE 6 (Boehringer-Mannheim) and the transfection protocol provided in the product insert.

The cells are cultured for 24 hours at 37° C. in MEM (Gibco/BRL, Gaithersburg, Md.) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 10 U/ml penicillin and 10 μg/ml streptomycin, at which time the medium is changed to serum-free MEM containing 5 μM coelenterazine (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.). Culturing is then continued for two additional hours at 37° C. Subsequently, cells are detached from the plate using VERSEN (Gibco/BRL), washed, and resuspended at 200,000 cells/ml in serum-free MEM.

Dilutions of candidate DmGPCR modulator compounds are prepared in serum-free MEM and dispensed into wells of an opaque 96-well assay plate at 50 μl/well. Plates are then loaded onto an MLX microtiter plate luminometer (Dynex Technologies, Inc., Chantilly, Va.). The instrument is programmed to dispense 50 μl cell suspensions into each well, one well at a time, and immediately read luminescence for 15 seconds. Dose-response curves for the candidate modulators are constructed using the area under the curve for each light signal peak. Data are analyzed with SlideWrite, using the equation for a one-site ligand, and EC₅₀ values are obtained. Changes in luminescence caused by the compounds are considered indicative of modulatory activity. Modulators that act as agonists at receptors which couple to the G_(q) subtype of G proteins give an increase in luminescence of up to 100 fold. Modulators that act as inverse agonists will reverse this effect at receptors that are either constitutively active or activated by known agonists.

C. Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay

The photoprotein luciferase provides another useful tool for assaying for modulators of DmGPCR activity. Cells (e.g., CHO cells or COS 7 cells) are transiently co-transfected with both a DmGPCR expression construct (e.g., DmGPCR in pzeoSV2) and a reporter construct which includes a gene for the luciferase protein downstream from a transcription factor binding site, such as the cAMP-response element (CRE), AP-1, or NF-kappa B. Agonist binding to receptors coupled to the G_(s) subtype of G proteins leads to increases in cAMP, thereby activating the CRE transcription factor and resulting in expression of the luciferase gene. Agonist binding to receptors coupled to the G_(q) subtype of G protein leads to production of diacylglycerol that activates protein kinase C, which activates the AP-1 or NF-kappa B transcription factors, in turn resulting in expression of the luciferase gene. Expression levels of luciferase reflect the activation status of the signaling events. (See generally, George et al., Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2(4): 235-240 (1997); and Stratowa et al., Current Opinion in Biotechnology 6: 574-581 (1995)). Luciferase activity may be quantitatively measured using, e.g., luciferase assay reagents that are commercially available from Promega (Madison, Wis.).

In one exemplary assay, CHO cells are plated in 24-well culture dishes at a density of 100,000 cells/well one day prior to transfection and cultured at 37° C. in MEM (Gibco/BRL) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 10 U/ml penicillin and 10 μg/ml streptomycin. Cells are transiently co-transfected with both a DmGPCR expression construct and a reporter construct containing the luciferase gene. The reporter plasmids CRE-luciferase, AP-1-luciferase and NF-kappaB-luciferase may be purchased from Stratagene (LaJolla, Calif.). Transfections are performed using the FuGENE 6 transfection reagent (Boehringer-Mannheim) according to the supplier's instructions. Cells transfected with the reporter construct alone are used as a control. Twenty-four hours after transfection, cells are washed once with PBS pre-warmed to 37 C. Serum-free MEM is then added to the cells either alone (control) or with one or more candidate modulators and the cells are incubated at 37° C. for five hours. Thereafter, cells are washed once with ice-cold PBS and lysed by the addition of 100 μl of lysis buffer per well from the luciferase assay kit supplied by Promega After incubation for 15 minutes at room temperature, 15 μl of the lysate is mixed with 50 μl of substrate solution (Promega) in an opaque-white, 96-well plate, and the luminescence is read immediately on a Wallace model 1450 MicroBeta scintillation and luminescence counter (Wallace Instruments, Gaithersburg, Md.).

Differences in luminescence in the presence versus the absence of a candidate modulator compound are indicative of modulatory activity. Receptors that are either constitutively active or activated by agonists typically give a 3-20-fold stimulation of luminescence compared to cells transfected with the reporter gene alone. Modulators that act as inverse agonists will reverse this effect.

D. Intracellular Calcium Measurement Using FLIPR

Changes in intracellular calcium levels are another recognized indicator of G protein-coupled receptor activity, and such assays can be employed to screen for modulators of DmGPCR activity. For example, CHO cells stably transfected with a DmGPCR expression vector are plated at a density of 4×10⁴ cells/well in Packard black-walled, 96-well plates specially designed to discriminate fluorescence signals emanating from the various wells on the plate. The cells are incubated for 60 minutes at 37° C. in modified Dulbecco's PBS (D-PBS) containing 36 mg/L pyruvate and 1 g/L glucose with the addition of 1% fetal bovine serum and one of four calcium indicator dyes (Fluo-3™ AM, Fluo-4™ AM, Calcium Green™-1 AM, or Oregon Green™ 488 BAPTA-1 AM), each at a concentration of 4 μM. Plates are washed once with modified D-PBS without 1% fetal bovine serum and incubated for 10 minutes at 37° C. to remove residual dye from the cellular membrane. In addition, a series of washes with modified D-PBS without 1% fetal bovine serum is performed immediately prior to activation of the calcium response.

A calcium response is initiated by the addition of one or more candidate receptor agonist compounds, calcium ionophore A23187 (10 μM; positive control), or ATP (4 μM; positive control). Fluorescence is measured by Molecular Device's FLIPR with an argon laser (excitation at 488 nm). (See, e.g., Kuntzweiler et al., Drug Development Research, 44(1):14-20 (1998)). The F-stop for the detector camera was set at 2.5 and the length of exposure was 0.4 milliseconds. Basal fluorescence of cells was measured for 20 seconds prior to addition of candidate agonist, ATP, or A23187, and the basal fluorescence level was subtracted from the response signal. The calcium signal is measured for approximately 200 seconds, taking readings every two seconds. Calcium ionophore A23187 and ATP increase the calcium signal 200% above baseline levels. In general, activated GPCRs increase the calcium signal approximately 10-15% above baseline signal.

E. Mitogenesis Assay

In a mitogenesis assay, the ability of candidate modulators to induce or inhibit DmGPCR-mediated cell division is determined. (See, e.g., Lajiness et al., Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 267(3):1573-1581 (1993)). For example, CHO cells stably expressing DmGPCR are seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 5000 cells/well and grown at 37° C. in MEM with 10% fetal calf serum for 48 hours, at which time the cells are rinsed twice with serum-free MEM. After rinsing, 80 μl of fresh MEM, or MEM containing a known mitogen, is added along with 20 μl MEM containing varying concentrations of one or more candidate modulators or test compounds diluted in serum-free medium. As controls, some wells on each plate receive serum-free medium alone, and some receive medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Untransfected cells or cells transfected with vector alone also may serve as controls.

After culture for 16-18 hours, 1 μCi of [³H]-thymidine (2 Ci/mmol) is added to the wells and cells are incubated for an additional 2 hours at 37° C. The cells are trypsinized and collected on filter mats with a cell harvester (Tomtec); the filters are then counted in a Betaplate counter. The incorporation of [³H]-thymidine in serum-free test wells is compared to the results achieved in cells stimulated with serum (positive control). Use of multiple concentrations of test compounds permits creation and analysis of dose-response curves using the non-linear, least squares fit equation: A=B×[C/(D+C)]+G where A is the percent of serum stimulation; B is the maximal effect minus baseline; C is the EC₅₀; D is the concentration of the compound; and G is the maximal effect. Parameters B, C and G are determined by Simplex optimization.

Agonists that bind to the receptor are expected to increase [³H]-thymidine incorporation into cells, showing up to 80% of the response to serum. Antagonists that bind to the receptor will inhibit the stimulation seen with a known agonist by up to 100%.

F. [³⁵S]GTP_(γ)S Binding Assay

Because G protein-coupled receptors signal through intracellular G proteins whose activity involves GTP binding and hydrolysis to yield bound GDP, measurement of binding of the non-hydrolyzable GTP analog [³⁵S]GTP_(γ)S in the presence and absence of candidate modulators provides another assay for modulator activity. (See, e.g., Kowal et al., Neuropharmacology 37:179-187 (1998).)

In one exemplary assay, cells stably transfected with a DmGPCR expression vector are grown in 10 cm tissue culture dishes to subconfluence, rinsed once with 5 ml of ice-cold Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-free phosphate-buffered saline, and scraped into 5 ml of the same buffer. Cells are pelleted by centrifugation (500×g, 5 minutes), resuspended in TEE buffer (25 mM Tris, pH 7.5, 5 mM EDTA, 5 mM EGTA), and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, the cells are homogenized using a Dounce homogenizer (one ml TEE per plate of cells), and centrifuged at 1,000×g for 5 minutes to remove nuclei and unbroken cells.

The homogenate supernatant is centrifuged at 20,000×g for 20 minutes to isolate the membrane fraction, and the membrane pellet is washed once with TEE and resuspended in binding buffer (20 mM HEPES, pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EDTA). The resuspended membranes can be frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −70° C. until use.

Aliquots of cell membranes prepared as described above and stored at −70° C. are thawed, homogenized, and diluted into buffer containing 20 mM HEPES, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EDTA, 120 mM NaCl, 10 μM GDP, and 0.2 mM ascorbate, at a concentration of 10-50 μg/ml. In a final volume of 90 μl, homogenates are incubated with varying concentrations of candidate modulator compounds or 100 μM GTP for 30 minutes at 30° C. and then placed on ice. To each sample, 10 μl guanosine 5′-O-(3[³⁵S]thio) triphosphate (NEN, 1200 Ci/mmol; [³⁵S]-GTP_(γ)S), was added to a final concentration of 100-200 μM. Samples are incubated at 30° C. for an additional 30 minutes, 1 ml of 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 10 mM MgCl₂, at 4° C. is added and the reaction is stopped by filtration.

Samples are filtered over Whatman GF/B filters and the filters are washed with 20 ml ice-cold 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 10 mM MgCl₂. Filters are counted by liquid scintillation spectroscopy. Nonspecific binding of [³⁵S]-GTP_(γ)S is measured in the presence of 100 μM GTP and subtracted from the total. Compounds are selected that modulate the amount of [³⁵S]-GTP_(γ)S binding in the cells, compared to untransfected control cells. Activation of receptors by agonists gives up to a five-fold increase in [³⁵S]GTP_(γ)S binding. This response is blocked by antagonists.

G. MAP Kinase Activity Assay

Evaluation of MAP kinase activity in cells expressing a GPCR provides another assay to identify modulators of GPCR activity. (See, e.g., Lajiness et al., Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 267(3):1573-1581 (1993) and Boulton et al., Cell 65:663-675 (1991).)

In one embodiment, CHO cells stably transfected with DmGPCR are seeded into 6-well plates at a density of 70,000 cells/well 48 hours prior to the assay. During this 48-hour period, the cells are cultured at 37° C. in MEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 10 U/ml penicillin and 10 μg/ml streptomycin. The cells are serum-starved for 1-2 hours prior to the addition of stimulants.

For the assay, the cells are treated with medium alone or medium containing either a candidate agonist or 200 nM Phorbol ester-myristoyl acetate (i.e., PMA, a positive control), and the cells are incubated at 37° C. for varying times. To stop the reaction, the plates are placed on ice, the medium is aspirated, and the cells are rinsed with 1 ml of ice-cold PBS containing 1 mM EDTA. Thereafter, 200 μl of cell lysis buffer (12.5 mM MOPS, pH 7.3, 12.5 mM glycerophosphate, 7.5 mM MgCl₂, 0.5 mM EGTA, 0.5 mM sodium vanadate, 1 mM benzamidine, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 10 μg/ml leupeptin, 10 μg/ml aprotinin, 2 μg/ml pepstatin A, and 1 μM okadaic acid) is added to the cells. The cells are scraped from the plates and homogenized by 10 passages through a 23¾ G needle, and the cytosol fraction is prepared by centrifugation at 20,000×g for 15 minutes.

Aliquots (5-10 μl containing 1-5 μg protein) of cytosol are mixed with 1 mM MAPK Substrate Peptide (APRTPGGRR (SEQ ID NO:), Upstate Biotechnology, Inc., N.Y.) and 50 μM [_(γ)-³²P]ATP (NEN, 3000 Ci/mmol), diluted to a final specific activity of ˜2000 cpm/pmol, in a total volume of 25 μL. The samples are incubated for 5 minutes at 30° C., and reactions are stopped by spotting 20 μl on 2 cm² squares of Whatman P81 phosphocellulose paper. The filter squares are washed in 4 changes of 1% H₃PO₄, and the squares are subjected to liquid scintillation spectroscopy to quantitate bound label. Equivalent cytosolic extracts are incubated without MAPK substrate peptide, and the bound label from these samples are subtracted from the matched samples with the substrate peptide. The cytosolic extract from each well is used as a separate point. Protein concentrations are determined by a dye binding protein assay (Bio-Rad Laboratories). Agonist activation of the receptor is expected to result in up to a five-fold increase in MAPK enzyme activity. This increase is blocked by antagonists.

H. [³H]Arachidonic Acid Release

The activation of GPCRs also has been observed to potentiate arachidonic acid release in cells, providing yet another useful assay for modulators of GPCR activity. (See, e.g., Kanterman et al., Molecular Pharmacology 39:364-369 (1991).) For example, CHO cells that are stably transfected with a DmGPCR expression vector are plated in 24-well plates at a density of 15,000 cells/well and grown in MEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM glutamine, 10 U/ml penicillin and 10 μg/ml streptomycin for 48 hours at 37° C. before use. Cells of each well are labeled by incubation with [³H]-arachidonic acid (Amersham Corp., 210 Ci/mmol) at 0.5 μCi/ml in 1 ml MEM supplemented with 10 mM HEPES, pH 7.5, and 0.5% fatty-acid-free bovine serum albumin for 2 hours at 37° C. The cells are then washed twice with 1 ml of the same buffer.

Candidate modulator compounds are added in 1 ml of the same buffer, either alone or with 10 μM ATP and the cells are incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. Buffer alone and mock-transfected cells are used as controls. Samples (0.5 ml) from each well-are counted by liquid scintillation spectroscopy. Agonists which activate the receptor will lead to potentiation of the ATP-stimulated release of [³H]-arachidonic acid. This potentiation is blocked by antagonists.

I. Extracellular Acidification Rate

In yet another assay, the effects of candidate modulators of DmGPCR activity are assayed by monitoring extracellular changes in pH induced by the test compounds. (See, e.g., Dunlop et al., Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods 40(1):47-55 (1998).) In one embodiment, CHO cells transfected with a DmGPCR expression vector are seeded into 12 mm capsule cups (Molecular Devices Corp.) at 4×10⁵ cells/cup in MEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 10 U/ml penicillin, and 10 μg/ml streptomycin. The cells are incubated in this medium at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ for 24 hours.

Extracellular acidification rates are measured using a Cytosensor microphysiometer (Molecular Devices Corp.). The capsule cups are loaded into the sensor chambers of the microphysiometer and the chambers are perfused with running buffer (bicarbonate-free MEM supplemented with 4 mM L-glutamine, 10 units/ml penicillin, 10 μg/ml streptomycin, 26 mM NaCl) at a flow rate of 100 μl/minute. Candidate agonists or other agents are diluted into the running buffer and perfused through a second fluid path. During each 60-second pump cycle, the pump is run for 38 seconds and is off for the remaining 22 seconds. The pH of the running buffer in the sensor chamber is recorded during the cycle from 43-58 seconds, and the pump is re-started at 60 seconds to start the next cycle. The rate of acidification of the running buffer during the recording time is calculated by. the Cytosoft program. Changes in the rate of acidification are calculated by subtracting the baseline value (the average of 4 rate measurements immediately before addition of a modulator candidate) from the highest rate measurement obtained after addition of a modulator candidate. The selected instrument detects 61 mV/pH unit. Modulators that act as agonists of the receptor result in an increase in the rate of extracellular acidification compared to the rate in the absence of agonist. This response is blocked by modulators which act as antagonists of the receptor.

Example 9 Matching DmGPCRs with Peptide Ligands

Cell Cultures and Transfections

Wild type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells (from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md.) were cultured at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂ in air in DMEM media supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated FBS, 10 μg/ml gentamicin, 0.1 mM nonessential amino acids to give complete DMEM media Cells were tansfected with orphan GPCR DNAs in the pCR3.1 vector, using LipofectAMINE PLUS™, essentially according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, CHO cells were plated on 10 cm sterile tissue culture dishes (Corning Glass Works, Coming, N.Y.) and they were about 50-60% confluent the day of transfection. In a plastic tube, PLUS (20 μl/plate) was added to cDNA plasmid (5 μg/plate) which was earlier diluted into 0.75 ml OptiMEM, mixed and incubated at room temp for 15 min. Separately, LipofectAMINE (30 μl/plate) was mixed with 0.75 ml OptiMEM and added to the pre-complexed DNA/PLUS mixture and incubated at room temp. for 15 minutes. Medium on the cells was replaced with serum-free transfection medium (plain DMEM, 5 ml/plate), and the DNA-PLUS-LipofectAMINE complex was added (1.5 ml per plate) and mixed gently into the medium followed by a 3 hr incubation at 37° C./5% CO₂. Then the medium was supplemented with the complete DMEM medium containing 20% FBS (6.5 ml ml/plate) and the incubation continued at 37° C./5% CO₂ for 24 to 48 hrs. A plasmid for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP, 4 μg/plate) was used for transient GFP expression in CHO cells to estimate the transfection yields under the same conditions also used for GPCRs.

Membrane Preparation

The transfected cells were washed once with ice-cold Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 5 ml per 10 cm plate, and scraped into 5 ml of the same buffer. Cell suspensions from multiple plates were combined and centrifuged at 500×g for 10 min at 4° C. The cell pellet was reconstituted in ice-cold TEE (25 mM TRIS, 5 mM EGTA, 5 mM EDTA). Convenient aliquots were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −70° C. After thawing, the cells were homogenized and centrifuged at 4° C., 500×g for 5 minutes to pellet nuclei and unbroken cells. The supernatant was centrifuged at 47,000×g for 30 minutes at 4° C. The membrane pellet was washed once with TEE, resuspended in 20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EDTA (assay buffer), aliquoted and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Membrane aliquots were stored at −70° C. Membrane protein concentration was determined using the BCA Protein Assay Reagent from Pierce (Rockford, Ill.) and BSA as standard.

[³⁵S]GTP_(γ)S Binding Assay

Aliquots of cell membranes were thawed, homogenized, and diluted into buffer containing 20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EDTA (assay buffer). Initially, reaction mixtures were prepared in 96-well polypropylene plates (Nunc). In each well, peptide aqueous solution (20 μl, 10×), or water controls (20 μl), 18.2 μM GDP in assay buffer (0.11 ml, 10 μM final), and membranes suspended in assay buffer (50 μl, 10 μg membrane protein) were mixed and placed on ice. The ligand-GDP-membrane mixtures were incubated for 20 min. at room temperature on a shaking platform and then placed on ice. To each sample, 20 μl guanosine-5′-O-(3-[³⁵S]thio)-triphosphate([³⁵S]GTP_(γ)S) (600-1,200 Ci/mmol from New England Nuclear, Boston, Mass.) was added to ˜40,000 cpm/0.2 ml, or a final concentration of 0.1 nM. Plates with the incubation mixtures (0.2 ml/well total) were incubated at room temperature for 45 minutes. Reaction mixture aliquots, 0.175 ml each, were then transferred into wash buffer pretreated (100 μl/well) 96-well FB MultiScreen filter plates (Millipore) and vacuum filtered using a MultiScreen Vacuum manifold (Millipore). Then the membranes were washed 3 times with 0.25 ml ice-cold wash buffer/well (10 mM HEPES, 10 mM MgCl₂, pH 7.4) and vacuum filtered. After the last wash, Supermix Opti-phase scintillation fluid (25 μl/well, Wallac) was added and the plates were sealed and counted in a Trilux 1450 Microbeta counter (Wallac) for 1 minute/well. As positive controls, membranes from CHO cells stably expressing a dopamine type 2 (rD₂ ) receptor, were treated with lmM dopamine in 0.025% ascorbic acid (100 μM dopamine final) or vehicle (0.0025% ascorbic acid final). Non-specific binding was measured in the presence of 100 μM cold GTP_(γ)S and was subtracted from the total. Each treatment was carried out in triplicates.

Data Analysis

Ligand-induced stimulation of [³⁵S]GTP_(γ)S binding was expressed as fold increase over the basal activity with no ligand added. Each treatment was run either in triplicate, or, on occasion in duplicate and the binding (cpm) was calculated as means±standard deviations. Dose-response curves for the receptor/ligand systems were analyzed using a non-linear least square SAS model, y=B_(max)X/(K_(d)+X). Other dose-response curves were analyzed using Prism (GraphPad Software, Inc. San Diego, Calif.) and the following equation y=Bottom+(Top−Bottom)/(1+10^(LogEC50−X)).

Results

Originally, we have chosen the GTP_(γ)S assay as a functional assay because agonist-driven stimulation of GTP_(γ)S assay reflects early events in the GPCR activation cascade, regardless of further activation pathways of various down-stream signaling events. This appears especially useful for the assessment of possible activation of orphan GPCRs with unknown functions and unknown signaling pathways. The GTP_(γ)S assay was carried out with membranes prepared from CHO cells transiently transfected with DNA encoding Drosophila GPCRs using a 96-well MultiScreen G/FB filter plates and a MultiScreen vacuum manifold (Millipore) for filtration. Since the GTP_(γ)S assay is known to poorly recognize GPCRs coupled to the Gq class of G-proteins, a Ca⁺² mobilization assay based on a FLIPR readout was used as well to evaluate Gq coupled orphan GPCRs in CHO cells transiently transfected with DNA encoding Drosophila GPCRs.

Using GTP_(γ)S assay, DmGPCR1 (PnuFlyPep3465 1) was found to be best activated by two peptides, DPKQDFMRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:26> and PDNFMRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:27> (EC₅₀'s range 370 nM to 500 nM). As reported by Nambu et al. (Neuron 1, 55-61, 1988), these two peptides are encoded on the same precursor gene together with nine other FaRPs.

Additional FaRPs and other neuropeptides which also stimulated GTP_(γ)S binding, although less effectively (EC₅₀'s in the range of 5 to 10 μM), included the following peptides: TDVDHVFLRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:25>, TPAEDFMRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:28>, SLKQDFMHF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:29>, SVKQDFMHF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:30>, AAMDRY-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:31>, and SVQDNFMHF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:32>. In addition, the FLIPR assay identified a Colorado potato beetle peptide, ARGPQLRLRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:33>, matched to DmGPCRl receptor with an EC₅₀ of 100-200 nM.

As shown by the GTP_(γ)S responses, DmGPCR4 (PnuFlyPep 67393) was activated by a Drosophila melanogaster allatostatin, drostatin-3 (SRPYSFGL-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:161>) with an EC₅₀ in the low nanomolar range, as well as by various Diplotera punctata (cockroach) allatostatins, namely: GDGRLYAFGL-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:34>, DRLYSFGL-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:35>, APSGAQRLYGFGL-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:36>, and GGSLYSFGL-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:37>(EC₅₀'s in the range of ca. 20-280 nM). The same peptides elicited a very strong calcium signal when tested at 10 WM by FLIPR. DmGPCR4 has been recently cloned by Lenz et al. (supra) and classified as a second putative allatostatin receptor (DARII). However, no pharmacological data on receptor activation have been reported to date. To our knowledge this is the very first experimental evidence that various allatostatins do activate this receptor.

DmGPCR6a (M811490) was reported as a PYY receptor by Li et al. (J Biol Chem 267, 9-12, 1992). Using the GTP_(γ)S assay, the peptides listed in Table 6, tested at 5 μM, stimulated GTP_(γ)S binding (1.7 to 4 fold increase above the basal) to membranes from CHO cells transfected with a DNA encoding DmGPCRa. It is noteworthy that, in addition to a battery of insect and C. elegans peptides that activated this receptor, also human NPFF (FLFQPQRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:59>) was found to be a ligand for DmGPCR6 (4-fold increase in GTP_(γ)S binding by 5 μM NPFF).

Dmgpcr6aL and Dmgpcr6bL are two splice variants of DmGPCR6a (M811490). The latter was reported as a PYY receptor by Li et al. (J Biol Chem 267, 9-12, 1992). We name both DmGPCR6aL and DmGPCR6bL, RF-amide receptors since they recognize only peptides that have an Arg-Phe-NH₂ (RFa) sequence at the C-terminus. The peptides that these GPCRs did not “see” have different than RFa sequences at the C-end (e.g. SFa, QFa, YFa,RLa, DWa, RPa, HFa, LQa, SNa etc.). In the calcium mobilization assay (FLIPR), Dmgpcr6a_(L) and Dmgpcr6b_(L) showed very strong Ca⁺² responses to a battery of FaRPs tested at 10 μM. The sequences shown below in Table 6 represent all the identified active FaRPs belonging to various species including Drosophila, C. elegans, A .suum, Mollusca, P. redivivus, Trematoda, lobster, human, and leech: The only exception from the C-end “RFamide rule” was the peptide pGluDRDYRPLQF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:120>, whose C-terminus ends with an Gln-Phe-NH₂ (QFa) sequence. Interestingly, both Dmgpcr6a_(L) and Dmgpcr⁶b_(L) also recognized NPFF (FLFQPQRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:152>), a mamalian peptide with the RFamide sequence at the C-terminus. (Note in the results above that p-Glu or pQ refers to pyroglutamic acid.)

DmGPCR9 has been matched with FDDY(SO₃H)GHLRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO: 157>, based on its very strong signal in the calcium mobilization assay (EC₅₀ in the low nanomolar range). The fact that no GTP_(γ)S responses to this peptide were detected with membranes prepared from CHO cells transfected with a DNA encoding Dmgpcr9, indicates that Dmgpcr9 is most likely coupled to Gq signaling pathways. FDDY(SO₃H)GHLRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:157> represents a Met7→Leu7 analog of the naturally occuring drosulfakinin-1 (DSK-1), FDDY(SO₃H)GHMRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:159>. Therefore we assign the DmGPCR9 receptor as a sulfakinin receptor. This match is very specific since even FDDYGHLRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:158>, which is an unsulfated counterpart of FDDY(SO₃H)GHLRF-NH₂ <SEQ ID NO:157>, showed only a very weak calcium signal when tested at 10 μM and none of the other 117 tested FaRPs and related peptides showed any activity either in FLIPR or in the GTP_(γ)S assay at the DmGPCR9 receptor.

A table matching the ligands with their associated receptors is shown below in Table 6.

TABLE 6 GPCR SEQ ID NO Peptide Matching Sequence dmgpcr1 SEQ ID NO: 25 TDVDHVFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 26 DPKQDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 27 PDNFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 28 TPAEDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 29 SLKQDFMHF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 30 SVKQDFMHF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 31 AAMDRY-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 32 SVQDNFMHF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 33 ARGPQLRLRF-NH₂ dmgpcr4 SEQ ID NO: 34 GDGRLYAFGL-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 35 DRLYSFGL-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 36 APSGAQRLYGFGL-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 37 GGSLYSFGL-NH₂ dmgpcr6 SEQ ID NO: 38 FIRF-NH₂ (6a) SEQ ID NO: 39 KNEFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 40 FMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 41 KSAFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 42 KPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 43 FLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 44 YLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 45 KPNFLRY-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 46 TNRNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 47 RNKFEFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 48 AGPRFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 49 GLGPRPLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 50 IL-Nle-RF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 51 AGAKFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 52 APKPKFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 53 KSAFVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 54 TKFQDFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 55 SAEPFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 56 ASEDALFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 57 SADDSAPFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 58 EDGNAPFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 59 FLFQPQRF-NH₂ dmgpcr6 SEQ ID NO: 60 SADPNFLRF-NH₂ 6aL and SEQ ID NO: 61 SQPNFLRF-NH₂ 6bL SEQ ID NO: 62 ASGDPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 63 SDPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 64 AAADPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 65 PNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 66 KPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 67 AGSDPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 68 KPNFLRY-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 69 SPREPIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 70 LRGEPIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 71 SPLGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 72 EAEEPLGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 73 ASEDALFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 74 EDGNAPFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 75 SAEPFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 76 SADDSAPFGTMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 77 KPTFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 78 ASPSFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 79 GAKFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 80 AGAKFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 81 APKPKFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 82 KSAYMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 83 SPMQRSSMVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 84 SPMERSAMVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 85 SPMDRSKMVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 86 KNEFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 87 KPSFVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 88 pQPKARSGYIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 89 AMRNALVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 90 ASGGMRNALVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 91 NGAPQPFVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 92 RNKFEFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 93 SDRPTRAMDSPLIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 94 AADGAPLIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 95 APEASPFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 96 ASPSAPLIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 97 SPSAVPLIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 98 ASSAPLIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 99 KHEYLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 100 SLLDYRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 101 EIVFHQISPIFFRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 102 GGPQGPLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 103 GPSGPLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 104 AQTFVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 105 GQTFVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 106 KSAFVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 107 KSQYIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 108 DVPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 109 KSVPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 110 SEVPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 111 SVPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 112 DFDGAMPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 113 EIPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 114 WANQVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 115 ASWASSVRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 116 AMMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 117 GLGPRPLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 118 SPSAKWMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 119 TKFQDFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 120 pQDRDYRPLQF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 121 FIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 122 AVPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 123 GDVPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 124 SDIGISEPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 125 SGKPTFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 126 AEGLSSPLIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 127 FDRDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 128 AGPRFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 129 GMPGVLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 130 IL-Nle-RF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 131 LQPNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 132 KPNFIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 133 FMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 134 FLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 135 YIRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 136 GNSFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 137 DPSFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 138 pQDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 139 KPNQDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 140 TDVDHVFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 141 AAMDRY-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 142 SPKQDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 143 PDNFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 144 DPKQDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 145 TPAEDFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 146 SDNFMRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 147 YLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 148 SDRNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 149 TNRNFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 150 PDVDHVFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 151 pQDVDHVFLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 152 FLFQPQRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 153 ARGPQLRLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 154 FDDY(SO₃H)GHLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 155 FDDYGHLRF-NH₂ SEQ ID NO: 156 MDSNFIRF-NH₂ dmgpcr9 SEQ ID NO: 157 FDDY(SO₃H)GHLRF-NH₂

Example 10 Competition Assay

Preparation of Mono-Iodinated Peptide

The peptide, is iodinated via a typical chloramine T procedure. Added to a 2 ml glass vial are 10 μl of a 1 mM water solution of peptide, 10 μl of 0.1M (pH 7.99) sodium phosphate buffer, 1.0 mCi [¹²⁵I] sodium iodide and 5 μl of a 2 mg/ml chioramine T solution (in the phosphate buffer). The mixture is vortexed for 60 seconds and the reaction stopped by the addition of 25 μl of a 5 mg/ml solution of sodium metabisulfite in phosphate buffer. The mixture then undergoes HPLC by injecting it onto a Vydac C18 (0.45×15 cm) column and subjecting it to gradient separation. The gradient used is 70% A and 30% B at time zero to 20% A and 80% B at time 25 minutes (A=0.1 M NH₄ acetate in water. B=0.1 M NH₄ acetate in water 40%: CH₃CN 60%, v:v.). Flow rate is 1.0 ml/minute. Samples are collected into 0.25 ml capture buffer (0.1M sodium phosphate buffer with 0.5% bovine serum albumin, 0.1% Triton X100 and 0.05% Tween 20) at 30 second intervals from t=8 to t=20 minutes. Monoiodo peptide typically elutes at t=11 minutes and the yield is approximately 100 μCi in 0.75 ml.

Binding Assay

96-well plates used are Millipore Multiscreeng filtration plates (FB opaque 1.0 μM glass fiber type B, cat. # MAFBNOB50). A Millipore Multiscreeng solvent resistant manifold (cat. # MAVMO960R) is used in conjunction with the plates to filter the assay at termination. Each replicate is one well and has a volume of 100 ul containing 5 ug protein (preparation described above). Each test group contains two replicates. For each test compound, one group is run with [¹²⁵I]peptide only (for total binding) and one with 1 μM (or as designated) concentration of the test compound and [¹²⁵I]peptide (for non-specific binding). The order of adding reagents for each replicate is: assay buffer (20 mM HEPES, 10 mM MgCl₂, 1% bovine serum albumin, pH 7.4) test compound (made up in assay buffer), [¹²⁵I]peptide (in assay buffer) and membrane suspension (in assay buffer). The addition of the membrane suspension initiates the binding reaction which is run for 30 minutes at room temperature (22° C.). Following the 30 minute incubation each plate is place on the filtration manifold and vacuum is applied, pulling the liquid through the filter (discarded) and catching the protein on the filters in each well. For washing, the vacuum is released and 200 μl assay buffer is added to each well followed by reapplication of the vacuum. This washing is repeated twice more (total of 3× washes for each replicate). Following washing, the plastic covering on the underside of each plate is removed and the plate placed in a bottom sealed Microbeta® scintillation counting cassette (cat # 1450-105). 25 μl of scintillant is added to each well and the plate is placed on a rotary shaker at 80 rpm for one hour and then allowed to sit overnight. The following day the plate is counted in a Microbeta® scintillation counter. The mean non-specific binding is subtracted from the mean total binding to yield specific binding for both the standard (peptideamide) and the unknowns.

Some of the preferred embodiments of the invention described above are outlined below and include, but are not limited to, the following embodiments. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended that all such variations fall within the scope of the invention.

The entire disclosure of each publication cited herein is hereby incorporated by reference. 

1. A method for identifying a modulator of binding between a DmGPCR and an allatostatin, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting an allatostatin and a composition comprising a DmGPCR in the presence and in the absence of a putative modulator compound; (b) detecting binding between the allatostatin and the DmGPCR; and (c) determining whether binding in the presence of said putative modulator is increased or decreased compared to binding in the absence of said putative modulator compound, whereby putative modulator compounds that increase or decrease binding are identified as binding modulators; wherein the DmGPCR is DmGPCR4 that has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, and wherein the allatostatin is a peptide having SEQ ID NO:161. 